Bulk material shipping container unloader

ABSTRACT

An unloader for a shipping container includes a supporter having a frame structure and a pallet base supported by the frame structure and configured to receive the pallet and support the shipping container in an elevated position. A gate moving mechanism is supported by the pallet base and configured to engage the moveable gate assembly when the full shipping container is positioned onto the pallet base. A material director has a first end located beneath the pallet base subjacent of the gate moving mechanism. The material director extends downwardly from the pallet base and terminates at a second end opposite the first end. Bulk material is dispensed from the shipping container into the first end and is discharged from the second end of the material director. Shipping containers may be positioned onto and removed from the pallet base without disassembly of the unloader.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.15/635,850 filed on Jun. 28, 2019, which claims priority to and thebenefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/357,023, filedJun. 30, 2016, and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/410,089,filed Oct. 19, 2016, the entire contents of which are incorporatedherein by reference.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates a bulk material discharge system fortransferring bulk materials from a shipping container, and moreparticularly relates to an unloader configured to locate one or morebulk material shipping containers in an elevated position, and transferbulk material from the shipping container(s) to through a materialdirector.

BACKGROUND

Various bulk material shipping containers are known. Such known materialbulk shipping containers, sometimes referred to herein for brevity asknown containers or as known bulk containers, are used to transport awide range of products, parts, components, items, and materials such as,but not limited to, seeds, shavings, fasteners, and granular materials(such as sand). These are sometimes called loose materials or materials.

New and improved bulk material shipping containers are continuouslybeing developed. For example, U.S. Pat. No. 10,676,239, which claimspriority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/357,023,filed Jun. 30, 2016 and is owned by the assignee of the presentapplication, discloses new bulk material shipping containers.

As these new bulk material shipping containers are developed, there is acontinuing need to develop unloading devices that can be used forunloading loose materials from these new bulk material shippingcontainers.

In various uses, certain of these new bulk material shipping containersneed to be supported substantially above the ground to be unloaded.

Accordingly, there is a continuing need for bulk material shippingcontainer unloading apparatus.

SUMMARY

Various embodiments of the present disclosure provide bulk materialshipping container unloaders that solve or meet the above needs. Thebulk material shipping container unloaders of the present disclosure maysometimes be referred herein for brevity as the shipping containerunloader(s), the container unloader(s), the material unloader(s), or theunloader(s).

In various embodiments, the bulk material shipping container unloader ofthe present disclosure generally includes: (a) a supporter; (b) a palletreceiver supported by the supporter; (c) a material director supportedby the pallet receiver; and (d) a bulk material shipping container gatemover.

In various embodiments, the shipping container unloader of the presentdisclosure is configured to receive, support, and hold a bulk materialshipping container that is configured to hold materials in thecontainer.

In various embodiments, the shipping container unloader of the presentdisclosure is configured to support one shipping container or multiplestacked shipping containers.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the height of thepallet receiver and the material director are fixed, and thus theysupport the bulk material container at a single position or height.

In other various embodiments of the present disclosure, the supporter isextendable or expandable. In these embodiments, the extendable orexpandable supporter is movable from a retracted position to one or moreextended or expanded positions to change the height of the palletreceiver and the material director, and thus to support the bulkmaterial container at different desired positions or heights.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the material directoris movable.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the material directorcan be angled in different directions.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the material directorcan be moved to one or more storage or shipment positions.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, a bottom portion ofthe material director can be detached from an upper portion of thematerial director.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the material directoris configured to work or operate with one or more adjacent unloaders ofthe present disclosure to unload materials from multiple containers intoa common material receiver. In various embodiments of the presentdisclosure, the material receiver is stationary. In various embodimentsof the present disclosure, the material receiver is movable. In variousembodiments of the present disclosure, the material receiver isconnected to a movable vehicle.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the bulk materialshipping container gate mover is configured to receive and engage adownwardly extending handle of a gate of a material unloading assemblyof a bulk material shipping container to open and close the gate.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the bulk materialshipping container gate mover is configured to automatically open andclose a gate of a material unloading assembly of a bulk materialshipping container.

In various embodiments of the present disclosure, the bulk materialshipping container gate mover is configured to automatically open andclose a gate of a material unloading assembly of the bulk materialshipping container under control a remote control or controlling device.

Various embodiments of the present disclosure include a rack thatsupports one or more bulk material shipping container unloaders such asthe unloaders of the present disclosure.

Additional features and advantages of the present invention aredescribed in, and will be apparent from, the following DetailedDescription of Exemplary Embodiments and the figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top front perspective view of three adjacently positionedbulk material shipping container unloaders of one example embodiment ofthe present disclosure, shown respectively supporting three adjacentbulk material shipping containers.

FIG. 2 is a bottom front perspective view of the three bulk materialshipping container unloaders of FIG. 1, shown respectively supportingthree bulk material shipping containers.

FIG. 3 is a front view of the three bulk material shipping containerunloaders of FIG. 1, shown respectively supporting three bulk materialshipping containers.

FIG. 4 is a rear view of the three bulk material shipping containerunloaders of FIG. 1, shown respectively supporting three bulk materialshipping containers.

FIG. 5 is a bottom view of the three bulk material shipping containerunloaders of FIG. 1, shown respectively supporting three bulk materialshipping containers.

FIG. 6 is a top view of the three bulk material shipping containerunloaders of FIG. 1, shown respectively supporting three bulk materialshipping containers.

FIG. 7 is a right side view of the three bulk material shippingcontainer unloaders of FIG. 1, shown respectively supporting three bulkmaterial shipping containers.

FIG. 8 is a left side view of the three bulk material shipping containerunloaders of FIG. 1, shown respectively supporting three bulk materialshipping containers.

FIG. 9 is a top front perspective view of three bulk material shippingcontainer unloaders of FIG. 1, shown respectively supporting two bulkmaterial shipping containers (i.e., with one of the three bulk materialshipping containers removed), and showing part of the automatic gatemover of bulk material shipping container unloader.

FIG. 10 is an enlarged fragmentary top front perspective view of two ofthe bulk material shipping container unloaders of FIG. 1, shownrespectively supporting one bulk material shipping container, andshowing part of the automatic gate mover of bulk material shippingcontainer unloader.

FIG. 11 is a further enlarged fragmentary top front perspective view oftwo of the bulk material shipping container unloaders of FIG. 1, shownrespectively supporting one bulk material shipping container, andshowing part of the automatic gate mover of bulk material shippingcontainer unloader.

FIG. 12 is a top rear fragmentary perspective view of two of the bulkmaterial shipping container unloaders of FIG. 1, shown with the bulkmaterial shipping containers removed, and showing part of the automaticgate mover of bulk material shipping container unloader.

FIG. 13 is a top rear fragmentary perspective view of two of the bulkmaterial shipping container unloaders of FIG. 1, shown with the bulkmaterial shipping containers removed, and showing part of the automaticgate mover of bulk material shipping container unloader.

FIG. 14 is an enlarged front fragmentary perspective view of the threebulk material shipping container unloaders of FIG. 1, shown with two ofthe bulk material shipping containers removed, and showing parts of thematerial directors of the material shipping container unloaders.

FIG. 15 is an enlarged rear fragmentary perspective view of the threebulk material shipping container unloaders of FIG. 1, shown with two ofthe bulk material shipping containers removed, and showing parts of thematerial directors of the material shipping container unloaders.

FIG. 16 is an enlarged front fragmentary perspective view of the threebulk material shipping container unloaders of FIG. 1, shown with two ofthe bulk material shipping containers removed, and showing parts of thematerial directors of the material shipping container unloaders.

FIG. 17 is a front perspective view of the three bulk material shippingcontainer unloaders of FIG. 1, shown respectively supporting three bulkmaterial shipping containers, and showing a material receiving vehiclepositioned partially under the middle loader to receive unloadedmaterials from the three bulk material shipping containers through thethree bulk material shipping container unloaders.

FIG. 18 is a side perspective view of the three bulk material shippingcontainer unloaders of FIG. 1, shown respectively supporting three bulkmaterial shipping containers, and showing a material receiving vehiclepositioned partially under the middle loader to receive unloadedmaterials from the three bulk material shipping containers through thethree bulk material shipping container unloaders.

FIG. 19 is a rear perspective view of the three bulk material shippingcontainer unloaders of FIG. 1, shown respectively supporting three bulkmaterial shipping containers, and showing a material receiving vehiclepositioned partially under the middle loader to receive unloadedmaterials from the three bulk material shipping containers through thethree bulk material shipping container unloaders.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of an alternative example embodiment ofthe present disclosure of three adjacently positioned bulk materialshipping container unloaders, shown being supported by a rack andrespectively supporting three adjacent bulk material shippingcontainers.

FIG. 21 is a bottom front perspective view of the three bulk materialshipping container unloaders of FIG. 20, shown being supported by therack and respectively supporting three adjacent bulk material shippingcontainers.

FIG. 22 is a top rear perspective view of the three bulk materialshipping container unloaders of FIG. 20, shown being supported by therack and respectively supporting three adjacent bulk material shippingcontainers.

FIG. 23 is a top front view of the three bulk material shippingcontainer unloaders of FIG. 20, shown being supported by the rack andrespectively supporting three adjacent bulk material shippingcontainers.

FIG. 24 is a bottom view of the three bulk material shipping containerunloaders of FIG. 20, shown being supported by the rack and respectivelysupporting three adjacent bulk material shipping containers.

FIG. 25 is a top view of the three bulk material shipping containerunloaders of FIG. 20, shown being supported by the rack and respectivelysupporting three adjacent bulk material shipping containers.

FIG. 26 is a right side view of the three bulk material shippingcontainer unloaders of FIG. 20, shown being supported by the rack andrespectively supporting three adjacent bulk material shippingcontainers.

FIG. 27 is a left side view of the three bulk material shippingcontainer unloaders of FIG. 20, shown being supported by the rack andrespectively supporting three adjacent bulk material shippingcontainers.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the three bulk material shippingcontainer unloaders of FIG. 20, showing the rack on which the unloadersare positioned, and for each unloader a supporter connected to andsupported by the rack, a pallet receiver connected to and supported bythe supporter, a material director connected to and supported by thepallet receiver, and an automatic bulk material container gate moverconnected to and supported by the pallet receiver.

FIG. 29 is a rear view of one of the three bulk material shippingcontainer unloaders of FIG. 20, showing a portion of the rack, asupporter connected to and supported by the rack, a pallet receiverconnected to and supported by the supporter, a material directorconnected to and supported by the pallet receiver, and an automatic bulkmaterial container gate mover connected to and supported by the palletreceiver.

FIG. 30 is front view of the bulk material shipping container unloaderof FIG. 29, showing a portion of the rack, the supporter connected toand supported by the rack, the pallet receiver connected to andsupported by the supporter, the material director connected to andsupported by the pallet receiver, and the automatic bulk materialcontainer gate mover connected to and supported by the pallet receiver.

FIG. 31A is a front view of the unloader of FIG. 29, showing thesupporter, the pallet receiver connected to and supported by thesupporter, and the automatic bulk material container gate moverconnected to and supported by the pallet receiver of the unloader, andpartially showing dual leg stands and single leg stands of the racksupporting the unloader.

FIG. 31B is a rear perspective view of the unloader of FIG. 29, showingthe supporter, the pallet receiver connected to and supported by thesupporter, and the automatic bulk material container gate moverconnected to and supported by the pallet receiver of the unloader, andpartially showing dual leg stands and single leg stands of the racksupporting the unloader.

FIG. 31C is a perspective view of a leg of the unloader of FIG. 29,showing the supporter, the pallet receiver connected to and supported bythe supporter, and the automatic bulk material container gate moverconnected to and supported by the pallet receiver of the unloader, andpartially showing dual leg stands and single leg stands of the racksupporting the unloader.

FIG. 31D is an enlarged perspective view of a locking block of theunloader of FIG. 29.

FIG. 31E an enlarged perspective view of a leg securing assemblyengaging a locking block of one unloader and a locking block of anadjacent unloader.

FIG. 31F is a top view of the leg securing engaging two adjacent lockingblocks of FIG. 31E.

FIG. 31G is a perspective view of the leg securing assembly of FIG. 31Dengaging and locking securing a leg of one of the unloaders of FIG. 28and an adjacent leg of an adjacent unloader of FIG. 28.

FIG. 31H is a front view of the leg of the unloader of FIG. 29, showinga first bracket and a second bracket of an operation status lightsupporting assembly connected to the leg of the unloader and supportingan operation light of the unloader.

FIG. 31I is an enlarged perspective view of the first bracket and secondbracket of the operation status light supporting assembly of FIG. 31Hsupporting an operation status light of the unloader.

FIG. 32A is a top perspective view of the pallet receiver of theunloader of FIG. 29, shown removed from the rest of the unloader.

FIG. 32B is an exploded top perspective view partially showing a weightmeasuring system of the pallet receiver of the unloader and showing afirst weight measuring assembly and a second weight measuring assemblyconnected by a first bridge.

FIG. 32C is a top perspective view of a load cell of a weight measuringassembly of the pallet receiver of the unloader.

FIG. 32D is a top perspective view of a first bridge of the weightmeasuring system of the pallet receiver of the unloader.

FIG. 33A is a top perspective view of a material director of theunloader of FIG. 29, showing a fixed chute section, a chute connectorsection connected to the fixed chute section and a movable and removablechute section, and the movable and removable chute section connected tothe chute connector section and shown removed from the rest of theunloader.

FIG. 33B is a rear perspective view of the material director of theunloader of FIG. 29, showing the fixed chute section, the chuteconnector section connected to the fixed chute section and the movableand removable chute section, and the movable and removable chute sectionconnected to the chute connector section.

FIG. 33C is an enlarged exploded view of a material director openingassembly of the fixed chute section of the unloader of FIG. 29.

FIG. 33D is an enlarged perspective view of the material directoropening assembly of the fixed chute section of the unloader of FIG. 29.

FIG. 33E is rear view of the material director opening assembly of thefixed chute section of the unloader of FIG. 29.

FIG. 33F is a left side view of the material director opening assemblyof the fixed chute section of the unloader of FIG. 29.

FIG. 33G is a right side view of the material director opening assemblyof the fixed chute section of the unloader of FIG. 29.

FIG. 33H is top view of the material director opening assembly of thefixed chute section of the unloader of FIG. 29.

FIG. 33I is a bottom view of the material director opening assembly ofthe fixed chute section of the unloader of FIG. 29.

FIG. 33J is a perspective view of a shaft of the fixed chute section ofthe material director of the unloader of FIG. 29.

FIG. 33K is a front exploded perspective view of the chute connectorsection of the material director of the unloader of FIG. 29.

FIG. 33L is a rear exploded perspective view of the chute connectorsection of the material director of the unloader of FIG. 29.

FIG. 33M is an enlarged perspective view of a hinge of the chuteconnector section of the material director of the unloader of FIG. 29.

FIG. 33N is a perspective view of the chute connector section of thematerial director of the unloader of FIG. 29, showing certain componentsof the chute connector section.

FIG. 33O is an exploded view of the movable and removable chute sectionof the material director of the unloader of FIG. 29.

FIG. 33P is an exploded view of a material director of a middle unloaderof FIG. 28.

FIG. 34A is a perspective view of the automatic bulk material containergate mover of the unloader of FIG. 29, showing a track assembly andpartially showing a gate mover assembly supported by the track assemblyand shown removed from the rest of the unloader.

FIG. 34B is an exploded perspective view of a first track of the trackassembly of FIG. 34B and a partial showing of a forklift tine receiver.

FIG. 34C is a perspective view of a first track of the track assembly ofFIG. 34B and a partial showing of the forklift tine receiver.

FIG. 34D is perspective view of the gate mover assembly of FIG. 29.

FIG. 34E is an exploded perspective view of the gate mover assembly ofFIG. 34A.

FIG. 34F is bottom perspective view of a first trolley of the gate moverassembly of FIG. 34A, showing an outer surface of a C-bracket of thefirst trolley.

FIG. 34G is a top perspective view of the first trolley of the gatemover assembly of FIG. 34A, showing wheels of the first trolley removed.

FIG. 34H is a top perspective view of the first trolley of the gatemover assembly of FIG. 34A, showing an inner surface of the C-bracket ofthe first trolley and showing wheels connected to the first trolley.

FIG. 34I is a perspective view of a trolley connector of the gate moverassembly of FIG. 34A.

FIG. 34J is an exploded perspective view of a trolley connector of thegate mover assembly of FIG. 34A.

FIG. 34K is a perspective view of a first trolley mover assembly of thegate mover assembly of FIG. 34A, showing the first trolley moverconnected to a partial showing of the first trolley.

FIG. 34L is a perspective view of a trolley mover assembly controllersupported by a trolley mover assembly housing of FIG. 34A.

FIG. 34M is a front view the trolley mover assembly controller of FIG.34L supported by the trolley mover assembly housing.

FIG. 34N is an exploded perspective view of the trolley mover assemblyhousing of FIG. 34L, showing the trolley mover assembly controllerremoved.

FIG. 35A is a perspective view of the rack of FIG. 29, showing dual andsingle leg stands and unloader stabilizers removed.

FIG. 35B is a top view of the rack of FIG. 35A, showing the dual andsingle leg stands and the unloader stabilizers removed.

FIG. 35C is a bottom view of the rack of FIG. 35A.

FIG. 35D is a left perspective view of the rack of FIG. 35A, showing thedual and single leg stands and the unloader stabilizers removed.

FIG. 35E is a right perspective view of the rack of FIG. 35A, showingthe dual and single leg stands and the unloader stabilizers removed.

FIG. 35F is an enlarged perspective view of a portion of the rack ofFIG. 35A, partially showing a grating assembly, a base beam, and aforklift tine receiver assembly partially positioned through an openingof the base beam.

FIG. 35G is a perspective view of the rack of FIG. 35A, showing the dualand single leg stands.

FIG. 35H is an exploded view of one dual leg stand of the rack of FIG.35A that supports the unloaders of FIG. 28.

FIG. 35I is an exploded view of one single leg stand of the rack of FIG.35A that supports the unloaders of FIG. 28.

FIG. 35J is an exploded view of one unloader stabilizer of the rack ofFIG. 35A that supports the unloaders of FIG. 28.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to the drawings, FIGS. 1 to 19 illustrate three exampleembodiments of the bulk material shipping container unloader of thepresent disclosure, which are respectively, indicated by numerals 100,200, and 300.

These three bulk material shipping container unloaders 100, 200, and 300are shown respectively supporting three bulk material shippingcontainers 1, 2, and 3 (that are configured as further described in U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. Ser. No. 62/357,023, filed Jun. 30,2016). It should be appreciated that in various example embodiments,each unloader of the present disclosure is configured to hold a shippingcontainer that includes a compartment having a bottom portion with aselectively openable and closeable material unloading assembly, andwherein the material unloading assembly includes a gate with adownwardly extending handle. The gate is movable or slidable from aclosed position to a plurality of different partially open positions,and then to a fully open position, and back to the closed position.

The bulk material shipping container unloader 100 generally includes:(a) an expandable or extendable supporter; (b) a pallet receiversupported by the expandable or extendable supporter; (c) a firstmaterial director supported by the pallet receiver; and (d) an automaticbulk material container gate mover.

The bulk material shipping container unloader 200 generally includes:(a) an expandable or extendable supporter; (b) a pallet receiversupported by the expandable or extendable supporter; (c) a secondmaterial director supported by the pallet receiver; and (d) an automaticbulk material container gate mover.

The bulk material shipping container unloader 300 generally includes:(a) an expandable or extendable supporter; (b) a pallet receiversupported by the expandable or extendable supporter; (c) a thirdmaterial director supported by the pallet receiver; and (d) an automaticbulk material container gate mover.

In these example embodiments, these three bulk material shippingcontainer unloaders 100, 200, and 300 are identical except that theyeach include a differently configured material director. Thus, forbrevity, the expandable or extendable supporter, the pallet receiver,and the automatic bulk material container gate mover of the unloader 100is primarily described, and it should be appreciated that suchdescription also applies to the unloaders 200 and 300 that areidentically configured (except for the material director) in thisillustrated example embodiment.

Generally, (a) the expandable supporter 110 of the unloader 100 isconfigured to support the pallet receiver 130, the material director150, and the gate mover 170; (b) the pallet receiver 130 is configuredto support a bulk material shipping container 1; (c) the materialdirector 150 is configured to receive and direct material exiting thebulk material shipping container to and through a material unloadingchute and port; and (d) the gate mover 170 is configured to open andclose the gate of the material unloading assembly (not shown) of thecontainer 1.

In this illustrated example embodiment, the expandable supporter 110 ismovable from a retracted position to one or more expanded positions tochange the height of the pallet receiver 130, the material director 150,and the automatic gate mover 170. The expandable or extendable supporter110 includes: (a) expandable legs; (b) feet respectively attached to thebottom of the legs; (c) leg stabilizers attached to the legs; and (d)locking members configured to respectively hold or secure the legs inthe expanded and retracted positions.

In this illustrated example embodiment, the expandable legs each includetelescoping upper and lower sections with alignable openings thatprovide for the expansion or height adjustment of the pallet receiver130, the material director 150, and the automatic gate mover 170.

In this illustrated example embodiment, the locking members areconfigured to extend through the aligned openings to hold the legs inthe expanded and retracted positions.

In this illustrated example embodiment, the legs and the leg stabilizersare each made from a steel tubular material. The leg stabilizers arewelded to the upper sections of the legs to provide a suitable supportstructure for the unloader 100. It should also be appreciated that thefeet are also made of steel and welded or otherwise suitablyrespectively attached to the legs in this illustrated exampleembodiment.

It should be appreciated that these components are made from steel to:(a) facilitate attachment or connection of these components by weldingand/or suitable fasteners; (b) provide structural strength and rigidity;(c) facilitate ease of cleaning; and (d) facilitate ease of repair.However, it should be appreciated that in alternative embodiments, oneor more of these components can be made from other suitably strongmaterials and can be attached in other suitable manners.

The pallet receiver 130 is configured to receive, support, and hold apallet of a bulk material shipping container 1. More specifically, inthis illustrated example embodiment, the pallet receiver 130 includes:(a) a pallet supporting frame including a plurality of pallet supports;and (b) nesting supports connected to and extending upwardly from thepallet supports.

In this illustrated example embodiment, the pallet support frame is madefrom steel and the nesting supports are each made from steel componentsand welded to the pallet support frame. It should be appreciated thatthese components are made from steel to: (a) facilitate attachment orconnection of these components by welding and/or suitable fasteners; (b)provide structural strength and rigidity; (c) facilitate ease ofcleaning; and (d) facilitate ease of repair. However, it should beappreciated that in alternative embodiments, one or more of thesecomponents can be made from other suitably strong materials and can beattached in other suitable manners. It should also be appreciated thatthe nesting supports can be configured in a similar manner as in U.S.Provisional Patent Application Ser. No. 62/357,023.

The first material director 150 of the unloader 100 is supported by thepallet receiver 130 and is configured to direct material exiting thebulk material shipping container 1 resting on the unloader 100 to anexit area and specifically through a material unloading chute and port.More specifically, first material director 150 includes a partiallyfixed and movable section connected to and supported by the palletsupporting frame of the pallet receiver. In this illustrated exampleembodiment, the partially moveable chute is configured to move to aposition such that part of the chute extends under the adjacent unloader200. In this illustrated example embodiment, the material director isprimarily made of steel. It should be appreciated that these componentsare made from steel to: (a) facilitate attachment or connection of thesecomponents by welding and/or suitable fasteners; (b) provide structuralstrength and rigidity; (c) facilitate ease of cleaning; and (d)facilitate ease of repair. However, it should be appreciated that inalternative embodiments, one or more of these components can be madefrom other suitably strong materials and can be attached in othersuitable manners. In this illustrated example embodiment, the firstmaterial director 150 of the unloader 100 includes one or more hingedlyconnected sections which are moveable with respect to one or more othersections of the first material director 150 to facilitate the chute ofthe material director 150 extending under the adjacent unloader 250.

The second material director 250 of the unloader 200 is supported by thepallet receiver of that unloader 200 and is configured to directmaterial exiting the bulk material shipping container 2 resting on theunloader 200 to an exit area and specifically through a materialunloading chute and port. More specifically, second material director250 includes a partially fixed and movable section connected to andsupported by the pallet supporting frame of the pallet receiver. Thepartially moveable chute of the second material director 250 isconfigured to move to a position such that the chute extends under theunloader 200. In an alternative embodiment, this second materialdirector 250 is stationary or not moveable.

The third material director 350 of the unloader 300 is like the firstmaterial director 150 of the unloader 100. The third material director350 of the unloader 300 is supported by the pallet receiver of thatunloader 300 and is configured to direct material exiting the bulkmaterial shipping container 3 resting on the unloader 300 to an exitarea and specifically through a material unloading chute and port. Morespecifically, third material director 350 includes a partially fixed andmovable section connected to and supported by the pallet supportingframe of the pallet receiver. The partially moveable chute of the thirdmaterial director 350 is configured to move to a position such that partof the chute extends under the adjacent unloader 200. In thisillustrated example embodiment, the third material director 350 of theunloader 300 includes one or more hingedly connected sections which aremoveable with respect to one or more other sections of the thirdmaterial director 350 to facilitate the chute of the material director350 extending under the adjacent unloader 250.

The automatic bulk material container gate mover 170 of the unloader 100is configured to automatically open a gate with a downwardly extendinghandle (not shown) of a bulk material shipping container such ascontainer 1. The automatic bulk material container gate mover 170 ofthis illustrated example embodiment generally includes: (a) a trackassembly 172 connected to and supported by the pallet receiver; and (b)a gate mover assembly 180 supported by track assembly 172 and configuredto receive and engage a downwardly extending handle of a gate of amaterial unloading assembly of the container.

More specifically, the track assembly 172 includes a first track 174connected to and supported by the pallet receiver and a second track 176spaced apart from the first track and connected to and supported by thepallet receiver 130.

The gate mover assembly 180 includes: (a) a first trolley 184 configuredmove along the first track 174; (b) a second trolley 186 configured movealong the second track 176; (c) a trolley connector 188 that isconnected to the first trolley 184 and the second trolley 186; (d) agate receiver and engager 190 configured to receive and engage thedownwardly extending handle of the gate; (e) a first trolley mover 196connected to the first trolley; and (f) a second trolley mover 198connected to the second trolley.

In this illustrated example embodiment, the first trolley mover 196includes a first hydraulic piston and the second trolley mover 198includes a second hydraulic piston. The first hydraulic piston and thesecond hydraulic piston are simultaneously controlled and co-act oroperate together to simultaneously move the first and second trolleys184 and 186 respectively along the first and second tracks 174 and 176from the first position shown in FIGS. 9, 10, and 11 to a secondposition (not shown).

The gate receiver and engager 190 includes four spaced apart upwardlyextending hands 191 a, 191 b, 191 c, and 191 d that are configured toreceive and engage the downwardly extending handle of the gate. Morespecifically, two of the upwardly extending hands 191 a and 191 d areconfigured to engage the front side of the downwardly extending handleof the gate and two of the upwardly extending hands 191 b and 191 c areconfigured to engage the rear side of the downwardly extending handle ofthe gate. When the container 1 is placed on or positioned on theunloader 100, the gate of the material unloading assembly of thecontainer 1 is in the closed position and the handle of the gate extendsdownwardly between the hands.

When the first trolley mover 196 and the second trolley mover 198 causethe first trolley 184 and the second trolley 186 to move forwardly, thehands 191 b and 191 c engage the rear side of the downwardly extendinghandle and cause the gate to move toward one of the partially openedpositions or the fully opened position.

After the gate is fully or partially opened, when the first trolleymover 196 and the second trolley mover 198 cause the first trolley 184and the second trolley 186 to move rearwardly, the hands 191 a and 191 dengage the front side of the downwardly extending handle and cause thegate to move back toward or till the fully closed position.

It should be appreciated (as further described below) that the bulkmaterial container unloader of the present disclosure will include asuitable power and control system (not shown) for controlling (such asremotely controlling) the gate mover assembly and specifically the firstand second hydraulic pistons.

It should be appreciated (as further described below) that power andcontrol system can include one or more indicators such as lights (notshown) that indicate the positions of the gate mover assembly and thusof the gate of the container positioned on such unloader.

It should be appreciated (as further described below) that power andcontrol system can include one or more sensors and display units (notshown) that are configured to determine the weight of the containerpositioned on the unloader.

It should be appreciated (as further described below) that while theseillustrated example embodiments of the unloader of the presentdisclosure are extendable or expandable, the bulk material shippingcontainer unloader of the present disclosure does not have to beextendable or expandable.

As mentioned above, various embodiments of the shipping containerunloader of the present disclosure are primarily made from steel. Inalternative embodiments, the shipping container unloader of the presentdisclosure or certain parts thereof, can be made from a suitably strongplastic material or other material.

Referring specifically now to FIGS. 20 to 35J, and particularlyinitially to FIGS. 20 to 30, three co-operating alternative exampleembodiments of the bulk material shipping container unloader of thepresent disclosure are illustrated adjacent to each other andrespectively indicated by numerals 2000, 3000, and 4000. As mentionedabove, for brevity, the bulk material shipping container unloaders 2000,3000, and 4000 are often referred to herein as unloaders 2000, 3000, and4000.

The various components of these unloaders 2000, 3000, and 4000 aredescribed in detail below. It should be appreciated that suchdescriptions sometimes use the phrase “integrally connected” which forthis illustrated example embodiment includes connected by welding. Itshould be appreciated that many of the different components can beconnected in different or other suitable manners such as by suitablefasteners (which are typically not shown in the Figures).

As best shown in FIGS. 20 to 28, the example unloaders 2000, 3000, and4000 are configured to adjacently (or side by side) rest on and besupported by a rack 5000 that is part of the present disclosure anddescribed in more detail below. It should be appreciated that the rackwhich is part of the present disclosure can be employed with one or moreunloaders of the present disclosure or other suitable unloaders.

The three example bulk material shipping container unloaders 2000, 3000,and 4000 are shown respectively supporting three of the same oridentical bulk material shipping containers 20, 30, and 40 in FIGS. 20to 28. It should be appreciated that the unloaders 2000, 3000, and 4000are each configured to support a shipping container that includes acompartment having a bottom portion with a selectively openable andcloseable material unloading assembly, and specifically where: (i) suchmaterial unloading assembly includes a gate or closure member with adownwardly extending handle or engagement member; and (ii) the gate ismovable or slidable from a closed position to a plurality of differentpartially open positions, and then to a fully open position, and thenback to the closed position. The unloaders 2000, 3000, and 4000 areconfigured to operate individually and together to open and close therespective gates of the respective material unloading assemblies of thecontainers (such as containers 20, 30, and 40) respectively positionedon the unloaders 2000, 3000, and 4000 and direct loose materials (suchas sand) stored in such containers to a common material receiver (suchas a material blender) positioned at a retrieval location under thecentrally positioned unloader 3000. It should be appreciated that thematerial receiver can be stationary or movable, and can be a movablevehicle such as shown in FIGS. 17, 18, and 19.

More specifically, the illustrated example bulk material shippingcontainer unloader 2000 generally includes: (a) a supporter 2100; (b) apallet receiver 2300 connected to and supported by the supporter; (c) afirst material director 2500 connected to and supported by the palletreceiver; (d) an automatic bulk material container gate mover 2700connected to and supported by the supporter 2100; and (e) one or morepower, control, status indication, and lighting systems. As discussed infurther detail below: (a) the supporter 2100 of the unloader 2100 isconfigured to support the pallet receiver 2300, the material director2500, and the gate mover 2700; (b) the pallet receiver 2300 isconfigured to support and assist in weighing a bulk material shippingcontainer 20; (c) the material director 2500 is configured to receiveand direct loose materials exiting the bulk material shipping containerto and through a material unloading port and chute; and (d) the gatemover 2700 is configured to open and close the gate of the materialunloading assembly (not shown) of the container 20.

Likewise, the illustrated example bulk material shipping containerunloader 3000 generally includes: (a) a supporter 3100; (b) a palletreceiver 3300 connected to and supported by the supporter; (c) a secondmaterial director 3500 connected to and supported by the palletreceiver; (d) an automatic bulk material container gate mover 3700connected to and supported by the supporter 3100; and (e) one or morepower, control, status indication, and lighting systems.

Likewise, the illustrated example bulk material shipping containerunloader 4000 generally includes: (a) a supporter 4100; (b) a palletreceiver 4300 connected to and supported by the supporter; (c) a thirdmaterial director 4500 connected to and supported by the palletreceiver; (d) an automatic bulk material container gate mover 4700connected to and supported by the supporter 4100; and (e) one or morepower, control, status indication, and lighting systems.

It should be appreciated that in this example embodiment, these threeillustrated example bulk material shipping container unloaders 2000,3000, and 4000 are substantially similar except that they includecertain different components such as differently configured materialdirectors. For brevity, only the supporter, the pallet receiver, and theautomatic bulk material container gate mover of the unloader 2000 areprimarily described in detail herein; and it should be appreciated thatsuch descriptions also apply to the various corresponding components ofthe unloaders 3000 and 4000 that are substantially similarly configured(except for parts of the material directors) in this illustrated exampleembodiment.

The Supporter

In this illustrated example embodiment, the supporter 2100 of theunloader 2000 is configured to support the pallet receiver 2300, theautomatic bulk material container gate mover 2700, and a bulk materialshipping container, such as the bulk material shipping container 20shown in FIGS. 20 to 28. The supporter 2100 is also configured to reston and be supported by dual and single leg stands of the rack 5000 (asfurther described below) so that the unloader 2000 is raised to asuitable level or height above the rack 5000. Therefore, materials thatexit the container 20 can move through the material director and intothe material blender (as generally shown in FIGS. 17, 18, and 19).

More specifically, as best shown in FIGS. 31A to 31I, in thisillustrated example embodiment, the supporter 2100 of the unloader 2000includes: (a) legs 2102, 2104, 2106, and 2108; (b) leg stabilizers orbraces 2110, 2112, 2114, 2116, 2118, 2120, 2122, and 2124 integrallyconnected to the legs 2102, 2104, 2106, and 2108, respectively, (andalso to various components of the pallet receiver 2300); (c) bumpers orspacers 2126, 2128, 2130, and 2132 integrally connected to the legs2102, 2104, 2106, and 2108, respectively; (d) locking blocks 2134, 2136,2138, and 2140 integrally connected to the legs 2102, 2104, 2106, and2108, respectively; (e) at least one leg securing assembly 2142connected to and supported by a locking block; and (f) an operationstatus light supporting assembly 2144 connected to and supported by theleg 2104.

In this illustrated example embodiment, the supporter 2100 is notexpandable or movable from a retracted position to one or more expandedpositions. However, it should be appreciated that the supporter 2110 canbe expandable in alternative embodiments of the present disclosure.

The legs 2102, 2104, 2106, and 2108 are configured to support thevarious other components of the unloader 2000 and a container positionedon the unloader 2000. In this illustrated example embodiment, the legs2102, 2104, 2106, and 2108 are also configured rest on and be supportedby various components of a rack such as rack 5000 shown in FIGS. 20 to28. For example, in this illustrated example embodiment, the legs 2102,2104, 2106, and 2108 are each configured to rest on and be supported bysingle or dual leg stands that enable the unloader 2000 to stand uprighton the rack 5000, as show in FIGS. 20 to 28 and as further describedbelow. The legs 2102, 2104, 2106, and 2108 are also each configured tosupport various components of the unloader 2000 and the pallet of thecontainer 20, as also further described below. It should be appreciatedthat other suitably configured legs can be employed in accordance withthe present disclosure.

The leg stabilizers or braces 2110, 2112, 2114, 2116, 2118, 2120, 2122,and 2124 are configured to or co-act to support, strengthen, stabilize,and brace the legs 2102, 2104, 2106, and 2108 that extend in the uprightpositions. It should be appreciated that other suitably configured legstabilizers or braces can be employed in accordance with the presentdisclosure. In this illustrated example embodiment and best shown inFIGS. 31A to 31C: (a) one end of the leg stabilizer 2110 is integrallyconnected to the leg 2102 and an opposing end is integrally connected toa pallet support base 2302 and a forklift tine receiver 2334; (b) oneend of the leg stabilizer 2112 is integrally connected to the leg 2110and an opposing end is integrally connected to a pallet support base2304; (c) one end of the leg stabilizer 2114 is integrally connected tothe leg 2104 and an opposing end is integrally connected to a palletsupport base 2304; (d) one end of the leg stabilizer 2116 is integrallyconnected to the leg 2104 and an opposing end is integrally connected toa pallet support base 2306; (e) one end of the leg stabilizer 2118 isintegrally connected to the leg 2106 and an opposing end is integrallyconnected to a pallet support base 2306; (f) one end of the legstabilizer 2120 is integrally connected to the leg 2106 and an opposingend is integrally connected to a pallet support base 2308; (g) one endof the leg stabilizer 2122 is integrally connected to the leg 2108 andan opposing end is integrally connected to a pallet support base 2308;and (h) one end of the leg stabilizer 2124 is integrally connected tothe leg 2108 and an opposing end is integrally connected to a palletsupport base 2302 and the forklift tine receiver 2336. The palletsupport bases 2302, 2304, 2306, and 2308 and the forklift tine receivers2334 and 2336 of the pallet receiver 2300 are further described below.

The bumpers or spacers 2126, 2128, 2130, and 2132 of the unloader 2000are configured to enable adjacent or side by side unloaders to engageeach other and to be suitably spaced apart from each other at a desiredor certain distance. More specifically, each bumper of an unloader isconfigured to engage an opposing bumper of an adjacent unloader. Forexample, as shown in FIG. 28, the bumper 2132 of the unloader 2000engages an opposing bumper 3126 of the unloader 3000. In thisillustrated example embodiment and as best shown in FIGS. 31A, 31B, and31C: (a) bumper 2126 is integrally connected to, supported by, andextends outwardly from the leg 2102; (b) bumper 2128 is integrallyconnected to, supported by, and extends outwardly from the leg 2104; (c)bumper 2130 is integrally connected to, supported by, and extendsoutwardly from the leg 2106 and toward the unloader 3000; and (d) bumper2132 is integrally connected to, supported by, and extends outwardlyfrom the leg 2108 and toward the unloader 3000. In this illustratedexample embodiment, each bumper need not be adjacent to a bumper of anadjacent unloader (i.e., bumpers 2126 and 2128 are each not adjacent tobumpers of an adjacent unloader in this illustrated example embodiment).It should be appreciated that the bumpers 2126, 2128, 2130, and 2132 arestructurally substantially similar in this illustrated exampleembodiment. Thus, for brevity, only the bumper 2126 is further describedin more detail.

In this illustrated example embodiment and as shown in FIG. 31C, theexample bumper 2126 includes a body 2126 a and a lip 2126 b. One end ofthe body 2126 a is integrally connected to the leg 2102 as shown in FIG.31C. The lip 2126 b is integrally connected to an opposing end of thebody 2126 a. The lip of one bumper is configured to engage an opposinglip of an opposing bumper of an opposing unloader, as shown in FIG. 28.

The locking blocks of each unloader are configured to enable orfacilitate two adjacent unloaders to be locked together or to eachother. For example, the locking blocks 2134, 2136, 2138, and 2140 of theunloader 2000 are each configured to enable unloader 2000 to be lockedto an adjacent unloader such as unloader 3000. In this illustratedexample embodiment, a leg securing assembly, such as the leg securingassembly 2142 m is employed to secure two adjacent locking blockstogether. More specifically, in this illustrated example embodiment andas best shown in FIGS. 30A, 30B, and 30C: (a) locking block 2134 isintegrally connected to, supported by, and extends inwardly from the leg2102; (b) locking block 2136 is integrally connected to, supported by,and extends inwardly from the leg 2104; (c) locking block 2138 isintegrally connected to, supported by, and extends inwardly from the leg2106; and (d) locking block 2140 is integrally connected to, supportedby, and extends inwardly from the leg 2108. It should be appreciatedthat the locking blocks 2134, 2136, 2138, and 2140 are substantiallysimilar in this illustrated example embodiment. Thus, for brevity, onlylocking block 2138 is further described in more detail.

As shown in FIG. 31D, this example locking block 2138 includes agenerally tubular body 2138 a. An end of the body 2138 a is integrallyconnected to leg 2106 of the supporter 2000 as shown in FIG. 31B. Thebody 2138 a includes an inner surface 2138 b that defines an opening.This opening is configured to partially receive a leg securing assembly,such as the leg securing assembly 2142 that is shown in FIG. 31E andfurther described in more detail below.

This example leg securing assembly 2142 is configured to securelyconnect adjacent legs of adjacent unloaders, such as one leg of theunloader 2000 and one leg of the unloader 3000. More specifically, theleg securing assembly 2142 is configured to engage a locking block of anunloader and an opposing locking block of an adjacent unloader. Forexample, as best shown in FIG. 31G, the leg securing assembly 2142engages the locking block 2138 of the unloader 2000 and an unloaderblock 3138 of the unloader 3000 to securely connect the leg 2106 of theunloader 2000 and the leg 3104 of the unloader 3000.

As best shown in FIGS. 31E and 31F, the leg securing assembly 2142 ofthis illustrated embodiment includes: (a) a first arm 2142 a; (b) asecond arm 2142 b; and (b) a first screw 2142 c. It should beappreciated that the first arm 2142 and the second arm 2142 b of the legsecuring assembly 2142 are structurally substantially similar in thisillustrated example embodiment. Thus, for brevity, only the first arm2142 a is further described in more detail.

In this illustrated example embodiment, the first arm 2142 a includes abody (not labeled). The body includes an inner surface (not labeled),which further includes helical threads (not labeled) that extend fromthe surface and are configured to threadably engage helical threads (notlabeled) of the first screw 2142 c. The inner surface defines an openingthat is configured to receive one end of the first screw 2142 c. Theopposing end of the first screw 2142 c is configured to be inserted intoan opening of the second arm 2142 b in a similar manner. The first screw2142 c is thus configured to be rotatable in the opening of the firstarm 2142 a and the second arm 2142 b.

As best shown in FIGS. 31E, 31F, and 31G, the first arm 2142 a isconfigured to engage the inner surface 2138 b of the locking block 2138b. The second arm 2142 b is configured to engage an opposing lockingblock in a similar manner. When the first screw 2142 c is rotated, thefirst arm 2142 a and the second arm 2142 b move closer to each other.Consequently, each arm 2142 a and 2142 b engages the respective innersurface of the locking block it engages with a greater force. Thisconfiguration enables the leg securing assembly 2142 to securely connectthe leg of one unloader and an opposing leg of an adjacent unloader.FIG. 31G illustrates the leg securing assembly 2142 connecting the leg2106 of the unloader and the leg 3106 of the unloader 3000. The firstarm 2142 a of the leg securing assembly engages the locking block 2138and the second arm 2142 b engages the locking block 3138. It should beappreciated that the leg securing assembly 2142 of the presentdisclosure can be connected to a member of the unloader 2000 via a chainor another suitable connection device.

The operation status light supporting assembly 2144 is configured tosupport an operation status light, as further described below. In thisillustrated example embodiment, the operation status light supportingassembly 2144 is integrally connected to the supporter 2100 and,specifically the leg 2104. It should be appreciated that the operationstatus light supporting assembly 2144 can be connected to a differentleg or another suitable component of the unloader 2000 in accordancewith the present disclosure.

More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 31H and 31I, the operation statuslight supporting assembly 2144 includes: (a) a first bracket 2144 aintegrally connected to and extending horizontally from the leg 2104;and (b) a second bracket 2144 b, wherein an end of the second bracket2144 b is integrally connected to the first bracket 2144 a and anopposing end of the second bracket 2144 b is integrally connected to andextends from the leg 2104 at a suitable angle. The first bracket 2144 ais configured to support an operation status light, as further describedbelow.

Although not shown, the supporter 2100 can include suitable feet eachconfigured to be connectable to the legs 2102, 2104, 2106, and 2108 tosupport the legs 2102, 2104, 2106, and 2108 in an upright position inaccordance with the present disclosure.

It should be appreciated that in this illustrated example embodiment,the legs 2102, 2104, 2106, and 2108; the leg stabilizers or braces 2110,2112, 2114, 2116, 2118, 2120, 2122, and 2124; the bumpers 2126, 2128,2130, and 2132; the locking blocks 2134, 2136, 2138, and 2140; and theoperation status light supporting assembly are each made of a suitablematerial, such as steel. It should further be appreciated that each ofthe leg securing assemblies such as assembly 2142 can be made of varioussuitable materials.

The Pallet Receiver

In this illustrated example embodiment, the pallet receiver 2300 isconfigured to support a container, such as the container 20 shown inFIGS. 20 to 28. The pallet receiver 2300 is also configured to supportthe material director 2500 and the automatic bulk material gate mover2700.

In this illustrated example embodiment and shown in FIGS. 32A, 32B, 32C,and 32D, the pallet receiver 2300 of the unloader 2000 includes: (a)pallet support bases 2302, 2304, 2306, and 2308 integrally connected tothe legs 2102, 2104, 2106, and 2108, respectively; (b) primary palletsupport base braces (or sometimes referred to herein as primary palletsupport base stabilizers) 2310, 2312, 2314, and 2316 integrallyconnected to the pallet support bases 2302, 2304, 2306, and 2308,respectively, and a track assembly 2702 (described below) of theautomatic bulk material container gate mover 2700; (c) secondary palletsupport base braces (that are sometimes referred to herein as secondarypallet support base stabilizers) 2318 and 2320 integrally connected tothe pallet support bases 2302 and 2306, respectively; (d) pallet supportbase brace connectors (that are sometimes referred to herein as palletsupport base stabilizer connectors) 2322 and 2324 integrally connectedto the secondary pallet support base stabilizers 2318 and 2320,respectively; (e) corner nesting support assemblies 2326, 2328, 2330,and 2332 integrally connected to and supported by the pallet supportbases 2302, 2304, 2306, and 2308, respectively, and the legs 2102, 2104,2106, and 2108, respectively; (f) forklift tine receivers 2334 and 2336integrally connected to the pallet support bases 2302, and 2306,respectively; (g) primary weld-on d-rings 2338 and 2340 integrallyconnected to the pallet support bases 2304 and 2308, respectively; (h)secondary weld-on d-rings 2344 (one is not shown and therefore notlabeled) integrally connected to and supported by the pallet supportbases 2304 and 2308, respectively; and (i) a container weight measuringsystem (not labeled) connected to and supported by the pallet supportbases 2302, 2304, 2306, and 2308.

More specifically, as best shown in FIG. 32A, the pallet support bases2302, 2304, 2306, and 2308; the primary pallet support base stabilizers2310, 2312, 2314, and 2316; the secondary pallet support basestabilizers 2318 and 2320; and the pallet support base stabilizerconnectors 2322 and 2324 are each configured to co-act to support thepallet of the container 20.

In this illustrated example embodiment and as best shown in FIG. 32A,(a) the pallet support base 2302 is integrally connected to and extendsfrom the leg 2102 and the leg 2108; (b) the pallet support base 2306 isspaced apart from the pallet support base 2302 and is integrallyconnected to and extends from the leg 2104 and the leg 2106; (c) thepallet support base 2304 is integrally connected to and extends from theleg 2102 and the leg 2104; and (d) the pallet support base 2308 isspaced apart from the pallet support base 2304 and is integrallyconnected to and extends from the leg 2106 and the leg 2108.

In this illustrated example embodiment as best shown in FIGS. 28 and32A: (a) one end of the primary support base stabilizer 2310 isintegrally connected to the pallet support base 2304 and an opposing endis integrally connected to the pallet support base 2302 and a bottomsurface of a first track 2706; (b) one end of the primary support basestabilizer 2312 is integrally connected to the pallet support base 2304and an opposing end is integrally connected to the pallet support base2306 and a bottom surface of the first track 2706; (c) one end of theprimary support base stabilizer 2314 is integrally connected to thepallet support base 2308 and an opposing end is integrally connected tothe pallet support base 2306 and a bottom surface of a second track2708; and (d) one end of the primary support base stabilizer 2316 isintegrally connected to the pallet support base 2308 and an opposing endis integrally connected to the pallet support base 2302 and a bottomsurface of the second track 2708. The first track 2706 and the secondtrack 2708 are each a component of the track assembly 2702 of theautomatic bulk material container gate mover 2700 and are each furtherdescribed below.

In this illustrated example embodiment and as best shown in FIG. 32A:(a) the secondary pallet support base stabilizer 2318 is integrallyconnected to and extends from the pallet support base 2302 and thepallet support base 2306; and (b) the secondary pallet support basestabilizer 2320 is spaced apart from the secondary pallet support basestabilizer 2318 and is integrally connected to and extends from thepallet support base 2302 and the pallet support base 2306.

In this illustrated example embodiment and as best shown in FIG. 32A:(a) the pallet support base stabilizer connector 2322 is integrallyconnected to and extends from the secondary pallet support basestabilizer 2318 and the secondary pallet support base stabilizer 2320;and (b) the pallet support base stabilizer connector 2324 is spacedapart from the pallet support base stabilizer connector 2322 and isintegrally connected to and extends from the secondary pallet supportbase stabilizer 2318 and the secondary pallet support base stabilizer2320.

The corner nesting support assemblies 2326, 2328, 2330, and 2332 areeach configured to engage and assist in correctly aligning the pallet ofthe container 20 on the unloader 2000. It should be appreciated that thecorner nesting support assemblies 2326, 2328, 2330, and 2332 aresubstantially similar in this illustrated example embodiment. Thus, forbrevity, only the corner nesting support assembly 2326 is furtherdescribed in detail.

More specifically, as best shown in FIG. 32A, the corner nesting supportassembly 2326 includes: (a) a horizontally extending base 2326 aintegrally connected to and supported by the pallet support bases 2302and 2304 and the leg 2102; (b) a vertically extending tubular body 2326b integrally connected to and extending upwardly from the base 2326 a;(c) a generally rectangular horizontally extending cap 2326 c integrallyconnected to the top of the horizontally extending tubular body 2326 b;and (d) a vertically extending corner pin 2326 d integrally connected toand extending upwardly from the cap 2326 c. In this illustrated exampleembodiment, the horizontally extending base 2326 a is substantiallysimilar to the cap 2326 c and includes a generally rectangular bodyhaving a top surface, a bottom surface, a front edge, a rear edge, afirst side edge, and a second side edge. The tubular body 2326 bincludes four integrally connected upwardly extending walls, each havingan upper edge, a bottom edge, an inner surface, and an outer surface.The cap 2326 c is integrally connected to each upper edge of theupwardly extending walls of the tubular body 2326 b. The corner pin 2326d in this illustrated example embodiment is a solid piece of steelconfigured to partially engage a corner of the pallet of the container20 for alignment purposes.

As described above, the corner nesting support assemblies 2326, 2328,2330, and 2332 are substantially similar in this illustrated exampleembodiment. Therefore, a horizontally extending base of the cornernesting support assembly 2328 is integrally connected to and supportedby the pallet support bases 2304 and 2306 and the leg 2104; ahorizontally extending base of the corner nesting support assembly 2330is integrally connected to and supported by the pallet support bases2306 and 2308 and the leg 2106; and a horizontally extending base of thecorner nesting support assembly 2332 is integrally connected to andsupported by the pallet support bases 2308 and 2302 and the leg 2108.

The forklift tine receivers 2334 and 2336 are each configured to receivea fork of the forklift to enable a forklift to lift the unloader 2000from a first position to a second position (such as from the bed of atruck to a sub-grade or onto the dual and single leg stands of the rack5000 (as further described below)). It should be appreciated that theforklift tine receivers 2334 and 2336 are substantially similar in thisillustrated example embodiment. Thus, for brevity, only the forklifttine receiver 2334 is further described in detail.

As best shown in FIG. 32A, the forklift tine receiver 2334 includes atubular body (not labeled) having four integrally connected horizontallyextending walls (each not labeled). Each wall includes an inner surface.The inner surfaces of the four walls define a forklift tine receivingchannel configured to receive a fork of the forklift.

The forklift tine receiver 2334 also includes: (a) a first tinedeflector (not shown) that is integrally connected and extendsdownwardly from a bottom wall of one end of the forklift tine receiver2334; and (b) a second tine deflector (not shown) that is spaced apartfrom the first tine deflector and integrally connected to the bottomwall at the opposite end of the forklift tine receiver 2334. The firstand second tine deflectors are each configured to be engaged by a forkor time of a forklift to deflect the fork or tine of the forklift andprevent the fork or time of the forklift from engaging and/or damagingother components of the unloader 2000.

As best shown in FIG. 32A, in this illustrated example embodiment, theforklift tine receiver 2334 is integrally connected to a bottom surfaceof the pallet support base 2302, the end of the leg stabilizer 2310, abottom surface of the pallet support base 2306, and the end of the legstabilizer 2312. The forklift tine receiver 2336 is spaced apart fromthe forklift tine receiver 2334 and is integrally connected to thebottom surface of the pallet support base 2302, the end of the legstabilizer 2316, the bottom surface of the pallet support base 2306, andthe end of the leg stabilizer 2314.

The primary weld-on d-rings 2338 and 2340 are each configured to enablea connecting apparatus (such as a cord or line) to be connected to theprimary weld-on d-ring and a portion of the material director 2500 toassist in stabilizing the material director 2500. In this illustratedexample embodiment as shown in FIG. 31C, the primary weld-on d-ring 2338is integrally connected to and extends downwardly from the palletsupport base 2304. The primary weld-on d-ring 2340 is integrallyconnected to and extends downwardly from the bottom of the palletsupport base 2308, as best shown in FIG. 31B.

The secondary weld-on d-rings 2344 (one not shown and thus not labeled)are each configured to enable a connecting apparatus (such as a cord orline) to be connected to the secondary weld on d-ring and to anotherstructure to assist in stabilizing or maintaining the position of theunloader 2000. In this illustrated example embodiment as shown in FIG.32A, one secondary weld-on d-ring is integrally connected to and extendsinwardly from the pallet support base 2304. Another secondary weld-ond-ring 2344 is integrally connected to and extends inwardly from thepallet support base 2308.

The container weight measuring system is configured to support thepallet of a container such as the container 20 (and thus the entireweight of the container 20 including its contents). The container weightmeasuring system is also configured to determine the entire weight ofthe container 20 and its contents. As shown in FIG. 32A, the containerweight measuring system includes weight measuring assemblies 2346, 2348,2350, and 2352, a first bridge 2354, and a second bridge 2356.

The container weight measuring system also includes one or morecontrollers (including one or more processors) electrically connected toeach of the weight measuring assemblies 2346, 2348, 2350, and 2352. Theweight measuring assemblies 2346, 2348, 2350, and 2352 and thecontroller(s) (not shown) are configured to co-act to determine theweight of the container 20 when the container 20 is placed on the palletreceiver 2300 of the unloader 2000. The weight of the container 20 canbe determined at various different points in time such as when thecontainer 20 is filled with loose materials, as the loose materials arereleased from the container 20, and when the container 20 is almost orcompletely empty. It should be appreciated that the weight measuringassemblies 2346, 2348, 2350, and 2352 are substantially similar (exceptfor their location) in this illustrated example embodiment. Thus, forbrevity, only the weight measuring assembly 2346 is further described inmore detail.

As best shown in FIG. 32B, the weight measuring assembly 2346 includes:(a) a housing 2346 a integrally connected to and supported by the palletsupport base 2304; and (b) a first load cell 2346 b suitably connectedto and supported by the housing 2346 a and electrically connected to thecontroller (not shown).

As best shown in FIG. 32B, the first housing 2346 a is configured tosupport the first load cell 2346 b. The first housing 2346 a includes:(a) a horizontally planar base 2346 c integrally connected to andsupported by the pallet support base 2304; (b) a first horizontallyextending wall 2346 d integrally connected to and extending upwardlyfrom the base 2346 c; (c) a second horizontally extending wall (notshown) spaced apart from the first wall 2346 d and integrally connectedto and extending upwardly from the base 2346 c; (d) an L-shaped bracket2346 e integrally connected to the pallet support base 2304 and thesecond horizontally extending wall; and (e) a container guiding bracket2346 f that includes a base 2346 g, a first upwardly extending wall 2346h, a second upwardly extending wall 2346 i, and a third upwardlyextending wall 2346 j. The walls 2346 h, 2346 i, and 2346 j are eachconfigured to engage a portion of a first track and the container 20when the container 20 is positioned or rests on the unloader 2000.

It should be appreciated that in this illustrated example embodiment,the base 2346 c of the first housing 2346 a is integrally connected tothe base 2326 a of the corner nesting support assembly 2326 such that atop surface of the base 2346 c of the first housing 2346 a is continuouswith the top surface of the base 2326 a of the corner nesting supportassembly 2326.

The first load cell 2346 b is configured to partially support thecontainer 20. The first load cell 2346 b is also configured to convertthe portion of the weight of the container that it partially supports toan electrical signal. This electrical signal, along with otherelectrical signals generated by the other weight measuring assemblies2348, 2350, and 2352, respectively, are further analyzed or used by theprocessor of the controller to determine the weight of the container 20.

As shown in FIG. 32C, the first load cell 2346 b includes a body 2346 kand a pivotable horizontally planar bracket 23461 pivotally connected tothe body 2346 k via an upwardly extending wall (not labeled). Thebracket 23461 includes a body 2346 k that defines a plurality offastener openings each configured to receive a suitable fastener toconnect a first or second bridge to the bracket 23461, as furtherdescribed below. The body 2346 k defines a plurality of fasteneropenings each configured to receive a suitable fastener to connect thebody 2346 k to the base 2346 c of the housing 2346.

The load cells of the weight measuring assemblies 2346, 2348, 2350, and2352 are commercially available (such as from Rice Lake WeighingSystems). It should be appreciated that in alternative exampleembodiments, the unloader can include a different number of weightmeasuring assemblies, housings, and/or load cells in accordance with thepresent disclosure.

As best shown in FIGS. 32A, 32B, and 32D, as mentioned above, thecontainer weight measuring system includes: (a) the first bridge 2354;and (b) the second bridge 2356. In this illustrated example embodimentthe first bridge 2354 and the second bridge 2356 are each configured topartially engage and support the pallet of the container 20. It shouldbe appreciated that the first bridge 2354 and the second bridge 2356 aresubstantially similar in this illustrated example embodiment. Thus, forbrevity, only the first bridge 2354 is further described below.

As best shown in FIG. 32D, the first bridge 2354 includes: (a) ahorizontally planar top container engagement wall 2354 a that defines aplurality of fastener openings each configured to receive a suitablefastener to connect the first bridge 2354 a to the bracket 23461 of thefirst load cell 2346 b and a bracket 23481 of a second load cell 2348 b;(b) a first vertically extending wall 2354 b integrally connected to andextending downwardly from the wall 2354 a; and (c) a second verticallyextending wall 2354 c integrally connected to and extending downwardlyfrom the wall 2354 a.

It should be appreciated from the above, to determine the weight of thecontents of the container 20 when the container 20 is placed on theunloader 2000, the processor of the weight measuring system analyzes theelectrical signals generated by the load cells 2346 b, 2348 b, 2350 b,and 2352 b to determine the total weight of the container and itscontents and then subtracts the known weight of the container todetermine the weight of the contents of the container at any point intime. In this illustrated embodiment, the weight measuring system alsosubtracts the known weights of the first bridge 2354 and the secondbridge 2356 for this calculation.

It should be appreciated that the first bridge 2354, the second bridge2356, and the load cells of the weight measuring assemblies 2346, 2348,2350, and 2352 co-act or work in unison to assist in determining theweight of the container and materials in the container.

It should further be appreciated that the first bridge 2354 and thesecond bridge 2356 are further configured to stabilize the container 20when the container 20 is positioned on the pallet receiver 2300 of theunloader 2000.

It should be appreciated that in this illustrated example embodiment,the pallet support bases 2302, 2304, 2306, and 2308; the primary palletsupport base braces 2310, 2312, 2314, and 2316; the secondary palletsupport base braces 2318 and 2320; the pallet support base braceconnectors 2322 and 2324; the corner nesting support assemblies 2326,2328, 2330, and 2332; the forklift tine receivers 2334 and 2336; theprimary weld-on d-rings 2338 and 2340; and the secondary weld-on d-rings2344 (one is not shown and labeled) are each made of a suitablematerial, such as steel. It should further be appreciated that thehousing of each load cell assembly of the present disclosure is made ofa suitable metal material, such as steel. It should further beappreciated that the first bridge 2354 and the second bridge 2356 of thepresent disclosure are each made of a suitable material, such asaluminum.

The Material Director

In this illustrated example embodiment, the material director 2500 ofthe unloader 200 is configured to be connected to the pallet receiver2300 so that the material 2500 extends downwardly and at an angleunderneath the pallet receiver 2300. This enables the material director2500 to direct loose materials from the container 20 to the materialblender (as best shown FIGS. 17, 18, and 19). Likewise, the materialdirector 4500 of the unloader 4000 is positioned underneath the palletreceiver 4300 and extends downwardly and at an angle from the palletreceiver 4500 so that the material director 4500 can direct loosematerials from the container 40 to the material blender. The materialdirector 3500 of the unloader 3000 extends downwardly substantiallystraight from the pallet receiver 3300 so that the material director3500 can direct loose materials from the container 30 to the materialblender.

It should be appreciated that in this illustrated example embodiment,the material directors 2500, 3500, and 4500 are configured in such amanner so that they co-act or cooperate with each other to direct loosematerials from the containers that are positioned on the unloaders 2000,3000, and 4000 to the material blender positioned underneath the palletreceiver 3300 of the unloader 3000 at a desired times (such as at thesame time).

In this illustrated example embodiment, the unloader 2000 and theunloader 4000 each have similar or substantially similar materialdirectors 2500 and 4500, respectively that are mirror images of eachother. For brevity, only the material director 2500 is thus discussed infurther detail. It should be appreciated that the material director 3500is configured differently than the material directors 2500 and 4500.Thus, after the discussion regarding the material director 2500, adiscussion regarding the material director 3500 is provided.

As shown in FIGS. 33A to 33O, in this illustrated example embodiment,the material director 2500 of the unloader 2000 includes: (a) a fixedchute section 2502 connected to and supported by the pallet support basestabilizer connectors 2322 and 2324 of the pallet supporter 2300; (b) achute connector section 2504 hingedly connectable to the partially fixedchute section 2502 and connected to a movable and removable chutesection 2506 via suitable fasteners; and (c) a movable and removablechute section 2506.

More specifically, the fixed chute section 2502 is configured to directmaterial that exits the gate assembly (not shown) of the container 20 onthe unloader 2000. The fixed chute section 2502 is also configured toextend downwardly at an angle to and underneath the pallet receiver 2300of the unloader 2000.

As best shown in FIGS. 33A to 33J, the fixed chute section 2502includes: (a) a material directing opening assembly 2508 connected toand supported the pallet support base stabilizer connectors 2322 and2324 of the pallet supporter 2300 (as best shown in FIGS. 28, 29 and30); and (b) a shaft 2510 connected to the material directing openingassembly 2508 and the chute connector section 2504.

More specifically, as best shown in FIGS. 33C to 33I, the materialdirecting opening assembly 2508 includes: (a) a first pallet receiverstabilizer connector bracket 2508 a connected to the pallet receiverstabilizer connector 2322; (b) a second pallet receiver stabilizerconnector bracket 2508 b spaced apart from the first pallet receiverstabilizer connector bracket 2508 a and integrally connected to thepallet receiver stabilizer connector 2324; (c) a first materialdirecting bracket 2508 c connected via suitable fasteners to the firstpallet receiver stabilizer connector bracket 2508 a; (d) a secondmaterial directing bracket 2508 d spaced apart from the first materialdirecting bracket 2508 c and connected via suitable fasteners to thesecond pallet receiver stabilizer connector bracket 2508 b; (e) a thirdmaterial directing bracket 2508 e integrally connected to the firstmaterial direction bracket 2508 c and the second material directionbracket 2508 d; and (f) a fourth material directing bracket 2508 fspaced apart from the third material directing bracket 2508 e andintegrally connected to the first material direction bracket 2508 c andthe second material direction bracket 2508 d.

As best shown in FIGS. 33C to 33I, the material directing openingassembly 2508 further includes: (a) a first S-shaped bracket 2508 gconnected via suitable fasteners to the first material directing bracket2508 c; (b) a second S-shaped bracket 2508 h spaced apart from the firstS-shaped bracket 2508 g and connected via suitable fasteners to thesecond material directing bracket 2508 d; (c) a third S-shaped bracket2508 i connected via suitable fasteners to an L-shaped bracket 2508 j;and (d) a fourth S-shaped bracket 2508 k spaced apart from the thirdS-shaped bracket 2508 i and connected via suitable fasteners to thefourth material directing bracket 2508 f.

More specifically, the first material directing bracket 2508 c includesa material directing surface (not labeled); the second materialdirecting bracket 2508 d includes a material directing surface (notlabeled); the third material directing bracket 2508 e includes amaterial directing surface (not labeled); and the fourth materialdirecting bracket 2508 f includes a material directing surface (notlabeled). The respective material directing surface of each materialdirecting bracket is configured to be engaged by and direct loosematerials (such as sand) that exit the gate assembly of the container 20through the material directing opening assembly 2508 and the othermembers of the material director 2500, as further described below.

Additionally, an upwardly extending wall 2509 a of the first S-shapedbracket 2508 g, an upwardly extending wall 2509 b of the first materialdirecting bracket 2508 c, an upwardly extending wall 2509 c of thesecond S-shaped bracket 2508 h, and upwardly extending wall 2509 d ofthe second material directing bracket 2508 d, an upwardly extending wall2509 e of the L-shaped bracket 2508 j, an upwardly extending wall 2509 fof the third material directing bracket 2508 e, an upwardly extendingwall 2509 g of the fourth S-shaped bracket 2508 k, and an upwardlyextending wall 2509 h of the fourth material directing bracket 2508 ftogether define a contiguous channel. This channel is configured toreceive one or more suitable compressible sealing strip(s) or gasket(s)2510 (such as a foam material) that is/are positioned in this channel.When positioned in this channel, each sealing strip 2510 extendsupwardly. Each sealing strip 2510 is configured to form a tight sealbetween the gate opening of the gate opening assembly of the container20 and the material directing opening assembly 2508 of the materialdirector 2500 so that loose materials that exit the gate assembly of thecontainer 20 and move through the material directing opening assembly2508 of the material director 2500 do not leak out from the materialdirecting opening assembly.

As shown in FIGS. 33C, 33D, 33F, 33G, 33H, and 33I, the L-shaped bracket2508 j further includes a horizontally extending trolley access wall2509 i that is integrally connected to the upwardly extending wall 2509e. The trolley access wall 2509 i and the upwardly extending wall 2509 edefine a trolley access area (not labeled) above the trolley access wall2509 i and adjacent to the upwardly extending wall 2509 e. The trolleyaccess area is configured to enable the gate mover assembly 2704, andparticularly either the first trolley 2720 or the second trolley 2722,to be positioned in the trolley access area, and particularly adjacentto the upwardly extending wall 2509 e of and above the trolley accesswall 2509 i, without the first trolley 2720 or the second trolley 2722engaging and/or damaging any components of the material director 2500when the gate mover assembly 2704 is in a resting position and the gateof the container 20 is in a fully closed position.

It should be appreciated that the fixed chute section 2502 can include adownwardly extending plate 2501 that is integrally connected to thefirst pallet receiver stabilizer connector bracket 2508 a, as best shownin FIG. 33B. The downwardly extending plate 2501 is configured toprovide the material director 2500, and particularly the materialdirecting opening assembly 2508 with more structural integrity.

As shown in FIG. 33J, the shaft 2512 of the fixed chute 2502 sectionincludes: (a) a first side 2512 a, wherein one end of the first side2512 a includes an angled edge 2513 a; (b) a second side 2512 b spacedapart from the first side 2512 a, wherein one end of the second side2512 b includes an angled edge 2513 b; (c) a third side 2512 cintegrally connected to the first side 2512 a and the second side 2512b; (d) a fourth side 2512 d integrally connected to the first side 2512a, the second side 2512 b, and the third side 2512 c; (e) a fifth side2512 e integrally connected to the first side 2512 a, the second side2512 b, and the fourth side 2512 d; (f) a sixth side 2512 f integrallyconnected to the first side 2512 a, the second side 2512 b, and thefifth side 2512 e and angled upwardly relative to the fifth side 2512 e,wherein the sixth side 2512 f includes a body that defines a pluralityof fastener openings each configured to receive a suitable fastener; and(g) a seventh side 2512 g spaced apart from the third, fourth, and fifthsides 2512 c, 2512 d, and 2512 e, respectively, and integrally connectedto the first side 2512 a and the second side 2512 b, wherein the seventhside 2512 g includes a first upwardly extending wall 2512 h integrallyconnected to the first side 2512 a and a second upwardly extending wall2512 i spaced apart from the first upwardly extending wall 2512 h andintegrally connected to the second side 2512 b;

One end of the fixed chute section 2502 is configured to be integrallyconnected (by welding and by suitable fasteners) to the materialdirecting opening assembly 2508 (as best shown in FIGS. 33A and 33B).More specifically, the angled edge 2513 a of the first side 2512 a, theangled edge 2513 b of the second side 2512 b, and an end of the seventhside 2512 g are welded to a bottom portion of the third materialdirecting bracket 2508 e, a bottom portion of the fourth materialdirecting bracket 2508 f, and a bottom portion of the first materialdirecting bracket 2508 c, respectively. Additionally, the sixth side2512 f is connected to the second material directing bracket 2508 d viasuitable fasteners.

In this illustrated example embodiment inner surfaces of the first side2508 a, the second side 2508 b, the third side 2508 c, the fourth side2508 d, the fifth side 2508 e, the sixth side 2508 f, and the seventhside 2508 g together define a material directing channel, which isconfigured to direct materials through the fixed chute section 2502.

As best shown in FIGS. 33K, 33L, 33M, and 33N, the chute connectorsection 2504 includes: (a) a first base bracket 2504 a; (b) a secondbase bracket 2504 b; (c) a third base bracket 2504 c; (e) a fourth basebracket 2504 d; (f) a fifth base bracket 2504 e; (g) a sixth basebracket 2504 f; (h) a seventh base bracket 2504 g; and (i) an eighthbase bracket 2504 h. These base brackets 2504 a, 2504 b, 2504 c, 2504 d,2504 e, 2504 f, 2504 g, and 2504 h each include a body that definesfastener openings configured to receive suitable fasteners. Thus, thefirst base bracket 2504 a and the second base 2504 b bracket areconnected via suitable fasteners; the third base bracket 2504 c and thefourth base 2504 d bracket are connected via suitable fasteners; fifthbase bracket 2504 e and the sixth base bracket 2504 f are connected viasuitable fasteners; and seventh base bracket 2504 g and the eighth basebracket 2504 h are connected via suitable fasteners.

As best shown in FIGS. 33K, 33L, 33M, and 33N, the chute connectorsection 2504 further includes: (a) a first body wall 2504 i integrallyconnected to the second base bracket 2504 b; (b) a second body wall 2504j spaced apart from the first body wall 2504 i and integrally connectedto the sixth base bracket 2504 f; (c) a third body wall 2504 kintegrally connected to the first and second body walls 2504 i and 2504j and the fourth base bracket 2504 d; and (d) a fourth body wall 25041spaced apart from the third body wall 2504 k and integrally connected tothe first and second body walls 2504 i and 2504 j and the eighth basebracket 2504 h.

It should be appreciated that in this illustrated example embodiment,the third body wall 2504 k and the fourth body wall 25041 taper towardthe first body wall 2504 i so that the chute connector section 2504directs the loose materials in the desired direction. It should furtherbe appreciated that in this illustrated example embodiment, the chuteconnector section 2504 can include one or more suitable gaskets, such asgasket 2505 f shown in FIG. 33N, configured to create a tight sealbetween the chute connector section 2504 and the fixed chute section2502 and/or the chute connector section 2504 and the movable andremovable chute section 2506.

As best shown in FIGS. 33K, 33L, 33M, and 33N, the chute connectorsection 2504 further includes: (a) a first elongated top bracket 2504 mintegrally connected to the first, third and fourth body walls 2504 i,2504 k, and 2504L, respectively; (b) a second elongated top bracket 2504n spaced apart from the first elongated top bracket 2504 m andintegrally connected to the second, third, and fourth body walls 2504 j,2504 k, and 2504L, respectively; (c) a third elongated top bracket 2504o adjacent to the second elongated top bracket 2504 n and integrallyconnected to the second elongated top bracket 2504 n; (d) a generallytubular top bracket 2504 p integrally connected to the first elongatedtop bracket 2504 m, the third elongated top bracket 2504 o, the thirdbody wall 2504 k, and the fourth body wall 25041; (e) a first C-shapedtop bracket 2504 q integrally connected to the top generally tubular topbracket 2504 p; (f) a second C-shaped top bracket 2504 r adjacent to thefirst C-shaped top bracket 2504 q and integrally connected to the firstC-shaped top bracket 2504 q; (g) a third C-shaped top bracket 2504 sspaced apart from the first C-shaped top bracket 2504 q and integrallyconnected to the generally tubular top bracket 2504 p; and (h) a fourthC-shaped top bracket 2504 t adjacent to the third C-shaped top bracket2504 s and integrally connected to the third C-shaped top bracket 2504s.

The chute connector section 2504 further includes: (a) a first hingeconnector bracket 2504 u integrally connected to the generally tubulartop bracket 2504 p; (b) a second hinge connector bracket 2504 v spacedapart from the first hinge connector bracket 2504 u and integrallyconnected to the generally tubular top bracket 2504 p; (c) a third hingeconnector bracket 2504 w integrally connected to the generally tubulartop bracket 2504 p; (d) a fourth hinge connector bracket 2504 x spacedapart from the third hinge connector bracket 2504 w and integrallyconnected to the generally tubular top bracket 2504 p; and (e) a frontwall 2504 y that includes an elongated vertically extending wall 2504 z,a horizontally extending top wall (not labeled), and a horizontallyextending bottom wall (not labeled), wherein the top and bottom wallsdefine a plurality of hinge connector bracket grooves each configured todirect or guide where the hinge connector brackets 2504 u, 2504 v, 2504w, and 2504 x connect to the front wall 2504 y. The bottom wall isintegrally connected to the generally tubular top bracket 2504 p. Thefront wall also includes a ring base (not labeled) integrally connectedto the front wall. The ring base is integrally connected to a ring (notlabeled), which includes a washer (not labeled) positioned between thering and the ring base. One end of a connecting apparatus (such as acord or line) can be connected to the ring, and another opposing end ofthe connecting apparatus can be connected to one of the primary D-ringsof the pallet receiver 2300 to assist in stabilizing the materialdirector 2500.

The front wall 2504 y is also configured to engage a side of the fixedchute section 2502 when the chute connector section 2504 is hingedlyconnected to the fixed chute section 2502. This enables the chuteconnector section 2504 to properly connect to the fixed chute section2502.

The first, second, third, and fourth hinge connector brackets 2504 u,2504 v, 2504 w, and 2504 x each include a body that defines a pluralityof fastener openings configured to each receive a suitable fastener toconnect a hinge of the chute connector section to a respective hingeconnector bracket, as best shown in FIG. 33N and further describedbelow.

In this illustrated example embodiment, an inner surface of the firstbody wall 2504 i, the second body wall 2504 j, the third body wall 2504k, and the fourth body wall 25041 together define a material directingchannel that is configured to direct materials through the chuteconnector section 2504.

As best shown in FIG. 33L, the chute connector section 2504 furtherincludes: (a) a plurality of clamp or clamping devices 2505 a, 2505 b,2505 c, 2505 d, and 2505 e that are each configured to assist inconnecting the chute connector section 2504 to the fixed chute section2502; (b) a first hinge 2514; and (c) a second hinge 2516.

The first hinge 2514 and the second hinge 2516 are configured tohingedly connect the chute connector section 2504 to the fixed chutesection 2502. It should be appreciated that the first hinge 2514 and thesecond hinge 2516 are substantially similar in this illustrated exampleembodiment. Thus, for brevity, only the first hinge 2514 is furtherdescribed below.

As best shown in FIG. 33M, the first hinge 2514 includes: (a) a firstarm 2514 a that includes a body that defines a plurality of fasteneropenings configured to receive a connecting apparatus; (b) a second arm2514 b spaced apart from the first arm 2514 a that includes a body thatdefines a plurality of suitable fastener openings configured to receivea connecting apparatus; (c) a first bracket 2514 c, wherein the firstbracket 2514 c includes a generally planar portion 2514 d and avertically extending portion 2514 e integrally connected to thegenerally planar portion 2514 d; and (d) and a connecting apparatus2515.

The generally planar portion 2514 d of the first bracket 2514 c includesa body that defines a plurality of fastener openings each configured toreceive a suitable fastener. The vertically extending portion 2514 e ofthe first bracket 2514 c extends at an angle relative to the planarportion 2514 d of the first bracket 2514 c. This angle can be ninetydegrees or less.

The connecting apparatus 2515 includes: (a) a stem 2515 a that isconfigured to be positioned in the fastener openings of the first arm2514 a and the second arm 2514 b; (b) a rotatable handle 2515 b; and (c)a wire 2515 c that includes one end integrally connected to the handle2515 b and an opposing end connected to the first arm 2514 a via asuitable fastener (not shown). The wire 2515 c is of a suitable lengthto enable the first hinge 2514 to rotate.

The first hinge 2514 also includes a generally planar second bracket2514 f that includes a body that defines a plurality of fasteneropenings each configured to receive a suitable fastener. This generallyplanar bracket 2514 f is connected via suitable fastener to thegenerally planar portion 2514 d of the first bracket 2514 c.

As best shown in FIG. 33N, when the stem 2515 a of the connectingapparatus 2515 is positioned in the fastener openings of the first arm2514 a and the second arm 2514 b of the first hinge 2514, the first arm2514 a and second arm 2514 b can rotate relative to the stem 2515 a.This enables the chute connector section 2504 to suitably connect to thefixed chute section 2502.

The first hinge 2514 and the second hinge 2516 are spaced apart fromeach other. Each hinge is integrally connected to the first and secondbase brackets 2504 a and 2504 b.

The movable and removable chute section 2506 is configured to directloose materials that exits the gate assembly of the container 20,thereafter moves through the fixed chute section 2502, thereafter movesthrough the chute connector section, and thereafter direct materials tothe material blender (such as the blender shown in FIGS. 17, 18, and19). The movable and removable chute section 2506 is also configured toextend at an angle from the fixed chute section 2502 and underneath theadjacent unloader 3000.

As shown in FIG. 33O, the movable and removable chute section 2506includes: (a) a generally rectangular top wall 2506 a; (b) a generallyrectangular bottom wall 2506 b spaced apart from the top wall 2506 a;(c) a first side wall 2506 c integrally connected to the top wall 2506 aand the bottom wall 2506 b; (d) a second side wall 2506 d spaced apartfrom the first side wall 2506 c and integrally connected to the top wall2506 a and the bottom wall 2506 b; (e) a first top handle 2506 eintegrally connected to the top wall 2506 a via suitable fasteners; (g)a second top handle 2506 f spaced apart from the first handle 2506 e andintegrally connected to the top wall 2506 a via suitable fasteners; (h)a first side handle 2506 g integrally connected to the first side wall2506 c via suitable fasteners; and (i) a second side handle 2506 hintegrally connected to the second side wall 2506 d via suitablefasteners.

More specifically, the top wall 2506 a includes: (a) a planar wall 2507a; (b) a first downwardly extending wall 2507 b integrally connected tothe planar wall 2507 a; and (c) a second downwardly extending wall 2507c spaced apart from the first downwardly extending wall 2507 b andintegrally connected to the planar wall 2507 a. The first downwardlyextending wall 2507 c is configured to engage and connect to the firstside wall 2506 c. The second downwardly extending wall 2507 c isconfigured to engage and connect to the second side wall 2506 d.

In this illustrated example embodiment, one end of the movable andremovable chute section 2506 is connected to the chute connector section2504 so that materials that travel through the chute connector section2504 can continue to travel through the movable and removable chutesection 2506 (as best shown in FIGS. 33A and 33B).

The handles 2506 e, 2506 f, 2506 g, and 2506 h are configured to enablea user to move the movable and removable chute section 2506.

In this illustrated example embodiment, inner surfaces of the top wall2506 a, the bottom wall 2506 b, the first side wall 2506 c, and thesecond side wall 2506 d together define a material directing channel,that is configured to direct materials through the movable and removablechute section 2506.

It should be appreciated from the above that the material director 2500(and likewise the material director 4500) is configured to be positionedunderneath the pallet receiver 2500 so that loose materials that exitthe gate of the container 20 travel through the material director 2500and into the material blender positioned beneath the pallet receiver3500 of the unloader 3000. More specifically, the material directingopening assembly 2508 of the fixed chute section 2502 directs loosematerial that exits the gate of the container 20 to the shaft 2512 ofthe fixed chute section 2502. The loose materials thereafter travelthrough the chute connector section 2504. The loose materials thereaftertravel through the movable and removable chute section 2506. The loosematerials thereafter exit from the movable and removable chute section2506 and into the material blender underneath the pallet receiver 3300of the unloader 3000.

As described above, the material director 4500 of the unloader 4000 issubstantially similar to the material director 2500 of the unloader2000. However, the material director 3500 of the unloader 3000 includesdifferent members or components than the material directors 2500 and4500. Thus, the material director 3500 is further described below andbest shown in FIG. 33P.

The material director 3500 is positioned beneath the unloader 3000. Thematerial director 3500 is configured to direct materials that exit thegate opening of the gate assembly of the container 30 when the gateassembly is opened to a blender beneath the material director 3500. Asshown in FIG. 33O, the material director 3500 includes: (a) a materialdirecting opening assembly 3502 connected to and supported by the palletreceiver 3300 of the unloader 3000; and (b) a shaft 3504 connected viasuitable fasteners to the material directing opening assembly 3502.

The material directing opening assembly 3502 is substantially similar tothe material directing opening assembly 2508 of the material director2500. Thus, the components of the material directing opening assembly3502 and a description of the material direction assembly opening 3502are not provided.

The shaft 3504 includes: (a) a first wall 3504 a; (b) a second wall 3504b spaced apart from the first wall 3504 b; (c) a third wall 3504 cintegrally connected to the first wall 3504 a and the second wall 3504b; (d) a fourth wall 3504 d spaced apart from the third wall 3504 c andintegrally connected to the first wall 3504 a and the second wall 3504b; (e) a first bottom wall 3504 e integrally connected to the first wall3504 a; (f) a second bottom wall 3504 f spaced apart from the firstbottom wall 3504 e and integrally connected to the second wall 3504 b;(g) a third bottom wall 3504 g integrally connected to the first bottomwall 3504 e, the second bottom wall 3504 f, and the third wall 3504 c;and (h) a fourth bottom wall 3504 h integrally connected to the firstbottom wall 3504 e, the second bottom wall 3504 f, and the fourth wall3504 d.

The walls 3504 a, 3504 b, 3504 c, 3504 d, 3504 e, 3504 f, 3504 g, 3504 heach includes an inner surface that together define a material directingchannel configure to direct materials through the shaft 3504 of thematerial director 3500.

Thus, the material director is configured to be positioned underneaththe pallet receiver 3300 so that loose materials that exit the gate ofthe container 30 travel through the material director 3500 and into thematerial blender positioned beneath the pallet receiver 3500 of theunloader 3000. More specifically, the material directing openingassembly 3502 of the material director 35000 directs loose material thatexits the gate of the container 30 to the shaft 3504 of the materialdirector 3500. The loose materials thereafter exit from the shaft 3504and into the material blender underneath the pallet receiver 3300 of theunloader 3000.

It should be appreciated that in this illustrated example embodiment,the components of the material directing opening assembly 2508 (exceptthe one or more suitable compressible sealing strip(s) or gasket(s)2510) of the material director 2500 and the components of the materialdirecting opening (not labeled) of the material director 4500 are madeof a suitable material, such as steel. It should further be appreciatedthat the components of the shaft 2512 of the material director 2500 andthe components of the shaft (not labeled) of the material director 4500are made of a suitable material, such as aluminum. It should further beappreciated that the components of the chute connector section 2504 ofthe material director 2500 and the components of the chute connectorsection (not labeled) material director 4500 are made of a suitablematerial, such as aluminum. It should further be appreciated that thecomponents of the movable and removable and removable chute section 2506of the material director 2500 and the components of the movable andremovable and removable chute section (not labeled) of the materialdirector 4500 are made of a suitable material, such as steel. It shouldfurther be appreciated that the components of the material director 3500are made of a suitable material, such as steel.

In this illustrated example embodiment, the bulk material shippingcontainer unloader 2000 includes one or more vibrators (not labeled)connected to and supported by the material director 2500 in a suitablemanner. Each vibrator is configured vibrate the material director 2500to remove or dislodge materials so that the materials travel through thematerial director 2500.

The Automatic Bulk Material Container Gate Mover

The illustrated example automatic bulk material container gate mover2700 of the unloader 2000 is configured to cause a gate assembly (notshown) of the container 20, and particularly a gate closure member (notshown) of a gate assembly, to partially, open fully, and thereafterclose. This process is described in more detail below.

Referring now to FIGS. 34A to 34N, in this illustrated exampleembodiment, the automatic bulk material container gate mover 2700 of theunloader 2000 includes: (a) a track assembly 2702 integrally connectedto and supported by the pallet receiver 2300; and (b) a gate moverassembly 2704 supported by the track assembly 2702 and configured toreceive and engage a downwardly extending handle or engagement member(not shown) of a gate of a material unloading assembly of the bulkmaterial shipping container 20.

More specifically, as best shown in FIGS. 34A, 34B, and 34C, the trackassembly includes: (a) a first track 2706 integrally connected to andsupported by the pallet receiver 2300 (and thus the supporter 2100); and(b) a second track 2708 spaced apart from the first track 2706 andintegrally connected to and supported by the pallet receiver 2300. Thefirst track 2706 and the second track 2708 are each configured to enablecomponents of the gate mover assembly 2704 to be movable along the firsttrack 2706 and the second track 2708. It should be appreciated that thefirst track 2706 and the second track 2708 are substantially similar orsubstantially mirror images of each other in this illustrated exampleembodiment. Thus, for brevity, only the first track 2706 is furtherdescribed in more detail.

As best shown in FIGS. 34B and 34C, the first track 2706 includes aC-shaped bracket 2710. The bracket 2710 includes: (a) an elongatedhorizontally extending wall 2712; (b) an upper wall 2714 integrallyconnected to and extending horizontally inwardly from the wall 2712; and(c) a lower wall 2716 spaced apart from the upper wall 2714 andintegrally connected to and extending horizontally inwardly from thewall 2712.

In this illustrated example embodiment, one end of the wall 2712 of thefirst track 2706 is integrally connected to the pallet support base 2302(as shown in FIG. 28). An opposing end of the wall 2712 of the firsttrack 2706 is integrally connected to the pallet support base 2306 (asshown in FIG. 28). An end of the lower wall 2716 of the first track 2706is integrally connected to the pallet support base 2302 (as shown inFIG. 28). An opposing end of the lower wall 2716 is integrally connectedto the pallet support base 2306 (as shown in FIG. 28). It should beappreciated that in this illustrated example embodiment, the length ofthe lower wall 2716 of the first track 2706 is greater in length thanthe length of the upper wall 2714 of the first track 2706. A pluralityof brackets 2718 a, 2718 b, 2718 c, and 2718 d are each integrallyconnected to the wall 2712 of the first track 2706 and are eachconfigured to connect the wall 2712 of the first track 2706 and an uppersurface of the forklift receiver 2334 (as shown in FIG. 34C).

Likewise, in this illustrated example embodiment, an end of a wall ofthe second track 2708 is integrally connected to the pallet support base(as shown in FIG. 28). An opposing end of the wall of the second track2708 is integrally connected to the pallet support base (as shown inFIG. 28). An end of a lower wall of the second track 2708 is integrallyconnected to the pallet support base (as shown in FIG. 28). An opposingend of the lower wall of the second track 2708 is integrally connectedto the pallet support base (as shown in FIG. 28). It should beappreciated that in this illustrated example embodiment, the length ofthe lower wall of the second track 2708 is greater than the length ofthe upper wall of the second track 2708. A plurality of brackets areeach integrally connected to a surface of the wall of the second track2708 and are each configured to connect the wall of the second track2708 and an upper surface of the forklift receiver.

Referring now to FIGS. 34D to 34H, the gate mover assembly 2704includes: (a) a first trolley 2720; (b) a second trolley 2722 spacedapart from the first trolley 2722; (c) a trolley connector 2724connected to the first trolley 2720 and the second trolley 2722; (d) agate receiver and engager 2726 integrally connected to and supported bythe trolley connector 2724; (e) a first trolley mover assembly 2728connected to the first trolley 2720; (f) a second trolley mover assembly2730 connected to the second trolley 2722; and (g) a trolley moverassembly controller 2732 fluidly connected to the first trolley moverassembly 2728 and the second trolley mover assembly 2730.

The first trolley 2720 and the second trolley 2722 are configured tomove along the first track 2706 and the second track 2708, respectively.It should be appreciated that first trolley 2720 and the second trolley2722 are substantially similar in this illustrated example embodiment.Thus, for brevity, only the first trolley 2720 is further described inmore detail.

As best shown in FIGS. 34E to 34H, the first trolley 2720 includes aC-shaped bracket 2720 a. The bracket 2720 a includes: (a) an elongatedhorizontally extending wall 2720 b that includes a body that defines aplurality of fastener openings each configured to receive a suitablefastener, wherein the wall 2720 b has an outer surface 2720 c and aninner surface 2720 d and the body of the wall 2720 b defines an openingconfigured to receive a bracket (as further described below); (b) anupper wall 2720 e integrally connected to and extending horizontallyinwardly from the wall 2720 b, wherein the upper wall includes an outersurface and an inner surface; (c) a lower wall 2720 f spaced apart fromthe upper wall 2720 e and integrally connected to and extendinghorizontally inwardly from the wall 2720 b, wherein the lower wallincludes an outer surface and an inner surface; and (d) a trolleyconnector bracket 2734 that includes a planar upper wall 2734 a, anL-shaped first side wall 2734 b integrally connected to the planar upperwall 2734 a and the inner surface 2720 d of the wall 2720 b, and anL-shaped second side wall 2734 c spaced apart from the L-shaped firstside wall 2734 b and integrally connected to the planar upper wall 2734a and the inner surface 2720 d of the wall 2720 b, wherein the trolleyconnector bracket includes a body that defines a plurality of fastenersopenings each configured to receive a suitable fastener to connect thetrolley connector 2724 and the trolley connector bracket 2734.

As best shown in FIGS. 34E to 34H, the bracket 2720 a further includes:(a) a generally planar bracket 2720 g integrally connected to the wall2720 b and positioned through the opening of the body of the wall 2720 bso that the planar bracket 2720 g partially extends past the outersurface 2720 c of the wall 2720 b and the inner surface 2720 d of thewall 2720 b and integrally connected to the L-shaped first side bracket2734 b, wherein the planar bracket 2720 g includes a body that defines afastener opening configured to receive a suitable fastener to connect awheel to the first trolley 2720; (b) a vertically extending bracket 2720h integrally connected to the inner surface 2720 d of the wall 2720 band one end of the generally planar bracket 2720 g; (c) a generallysemi-cylindrical bracket 2720 i integrally connected to and extendinghorizontally from the vertically extending bracket 2720 h, wherein thesemi-cylindrical bracket 2720 i includes a body that defines a firsttrolley mover fastener opening configured to receive a suitable fastenerto connect the first trolley mover 2728 and the first trolley 2720; (d)a rectangular bracket (not shown) connected to and extending inwardlyfrom the inner surface 2720 d of the wall 2720 b, wherein the wallincludes a body that defines a fastener opening configured to receive asuitable fastener to connect one of the wheels of the first trolley2720; (e) a vertically extending rectangular wall (not shown) integrallyconnected to and extending downwardly from the inner surface of theupper wall, connected to and extending upwardly from an upper surface ofthe rectangular bracket, and integrally connected to a surface of thevertically extending bracket 2720 h; (f) a first wheel 2720 j connectedto the wall 2720 b of the first trolley 2720; (g) a second wheel 2720 kspaced apart from the first wheel 2720 j and connected to the wall 2720b of the first trolley 2720; and (h) a third wheel 27201 positionedbetween the first wheel 2720 j and the second wheel 2720 k and connectedto the generally planar bracket 2720 g of first trolley 2720.

The first wheel 2720 j, the second wheel 2720 k, and the third wheel27201 are each configured to be movable along the first track 2706 andthus enable the first trolley 2720 to be movable along the first track2706. The first wheel 2720 j is each configured to rotate about a firsthorizontal axis. The second wheel 2720 k is configured to rotate about asecond different horizontal axis. The third wheel 27201 is configured torotate about a vertical axis. The third wheel 27201 is configured toprevent the first trolley 2720 from moving tangentially or substantiallytangentially to the first track 2706 when moving along the first track2706. Since the first wheel 2720 j, the second wheel 2720 k, and thethird wheel 27201 are each configured to be movable along the firsttrack 2706, the first horizontal axis about which the first wheel 2720 jrotates, the second horizontal axis about which the second wheel 2720 krotates, and the first vertical axis about which the third wheel 27201rotates are each movable along or relative to the first track 2706.

The first wheel 2720 j includes a body that defines a fastener openingconfigured to receive a suitable fastener. The first wheel 2720 j isconnected to the wall 2720 b of the first trolley 2720 by inserting andsecuring a suitable fastener through the fastener opening defined by thebody of the wheel 2720 j and further through the fastener openingdefined by the wall 2720 b.

The second wheel 2720 k includes a body that defines a fastener openingconfigured to receive a suitable fastener. The second wheel 2720 k isconnected to the wall 2720 b of the first trolley 2720 by inserting andsecuring a suitable fastener through the fastener opening defined by thebody of the wheel 2720 k, further through the fastener opening definedby the wall 2720 b, and further through the fastener opening defined bythe rectangular wall (not shown).

The third wheel 27201 includes a body that defines a fastener openingconfigured to receive a suitable fastener. The third wheel 27201 isconnected to the generally planar bracket 2720 g of the first trolley2720 by inserting and securing a suitable fastener through the fasteneropening defined by the body of the third wheel 27201 and further throughthe fastener opening defined by the generally planar bracket 2720 g.

In this illustrated example embodiment, the wall 2720 b also defines anopening (not labeled) adjacent to the opening that is configured toreceive the planar bracket 2720 g. This opening (not labeled) has acircular portion, a first rectangular portion extending from thecircular portion, and an opposing, second shorter rectangular portionextending from the circular portion

The trolley connector 2704 connects the first trolley 2720 to the secondtrolley 2722, as best shown in FIG. 34D.

As best shown in FIGS. 34I and 34J, the trolley connector 2704 includesa C-shaped bracket 2704 a. The bracket 2704 a includes: (a) ahorizontally extending planar wall 2704 b that includes a body thatdefines a plurality of fastener openings; (b) a first verticallyextending wall 2704 c integrally connected to and extending downwardlyfrom the horizontally extending wall 2704 b, wherein the firstvertically extending wall 2704 c includes a body that defines aplurality of fastener openings; and (c) a second vertically extendingwall 2704 d integrally connected to and extending downwardly from thehorizontally extending wall 2704 c, wherein the second verticallyextending wall 2704 d includes a body that defines a plurality offastener openings.

The fastener openings defined by the bodies of the walls 2704 b, 2704 c,and 2704 d, respectively, are each configured to connect one end of thetrolley connector 2704 to the trolley connector bracket 2734 of thefirst trolley 2720 and connect an opposing end of the trolley connector2704 to a trolley connector bracket of the second trolley 2722.

The gate receiver and engager 2726 is configured to receive and engagethe downwardly extending handle or engagement member of the gate orclosure member of the container 20.

The gate receiver and engager 2726 include four spaced apart upwardlyextending hands 2726 a, 2726 b, 2726 c, and 2726 d. The gate receiverand engager 2726 can further include additional different and separatelyspaced apart upwardly extending locking engager hands (not shown). Thefour spaced apart upwardly extending hands 2726 a, 2726 b, 2726 c, and2726 d are each configured to receive and engage the downwardlyextending handle of the gate.

More specifically, two of the upwardly extending hands 2726 a and 2726 dare each configured to simultaneously engage a rear side of thedownwardly extending handle of the gate. Thus, when the first trolley2720 and the second trolley 2722 move along the first track 2706 and thesecond track 2708, respectively, the upwardly extending hands 2726 a and2726 d engage an inwardly facing surface of the downwardly extendinghandle of the gate and partially open the gate, and thereafter fullyopen the gate. This enables loose materials in the container 20 to exitthe container 20 and travel through the material director 2500. Two ofthe upwardly extending hands 2726 b and 2726 c are configured tosimultaneously engage a front side of the downwardly extending handle ofthe gate. Thus, when the first trolley 2720 and the second trolley 2722move along the first track 2706 and the second track 2708, respectively,in an opposite direction to the direction which causes an opening of thegate, the upwardly extending hands 2726 b and 2726 c engage andoutwardly facing surface of the downwardly extending handle of the gateto partially close the gate, and thereafter fully close the gate.

It should be appreciated that the movement of the first trolley 2720 andthe second trolley 2722 move along the first track 2706 and the secondtrack 2708, respectively, can be controlled by the trolley moverassembly controller 2732 (as further described below). Thus, the gatemover assembly 2704 can control the rate or speed and how far the gateof the container should be opened or closed. Therefore, the gate moverassembly 2704 can partially control the rate or speed at which loosematerials exit the gate of the container 20 and into the materialdirector 2500.

The upwardly extending locking engager hand is configured to engage alocking assembly of the gate assembly of the container 20. This enablesthe gate of the container 20 to remain locked when the gate is closedand the container 20 is positioned on the pallet receiver 2500 of theunloader 2000.

The first trolley mover assembly 2728 and the second trolley moverassembly 2730 are respectively configured to cause the first trolley2720 and the second trolley 2722 to move along the first track 2706 andthe second track 2708, respectively. It should be appreciated that firsttrolley mover assembly 2728 and the second trolley mover assembly 2730are substantially similar or substantially mirror images of each otherin this illustrated example embodiment. Thus, for brevity, only thefirst trolley mover assembly 2728 is further described below.

As best shown in FIG. 34k , the first trolley mover 2728 includes: (a) afirst bracket 2728 a integrally connected to and supported by the palletsupport base 2706; (b) a first bracket connector 2728 b lockinglyconnected to the first bracket 2728 a; (c) a locking bracket fastener2728 c; (d) a first hydraulic piston housing 2728 d integrally connectedto the first bracket connector 2728 b; (e) a first hydraulic piston 2728e movable in the first hydraulic piston housing 2728 d; (f) a firsthydraulic piston bracket connector 2728 f integrally connected to thefirst hydraulic piston 2728 e; and (g) a first hydraulic piston bracketconnector fastener 2728 g.

More specifically, the first bracket 2728 a connects the first trolleymover assembly 2728 and the pallet support base 2306. As best shown inFIG. 34k , the first bracket 2728 a includes: (a) a body 2729 aintegrally connected to an upper surface of the pallet support base2306; (b) a first triangular wall 2729 b integrally connected to asurface of the body 2729 a of the first bracket 2928 a and the uppersurface of the pallet support base 2306; (c) a second triangular wall(not labeled) spaced apart from the first triangular wall 2729 b andintegrally connected to the surface of the body of the first bracket2728 a and the upper surface of the pallet support base 2306; and (d) asemi-cylindrical bracket 2729 c integrally connected to and extendinghorizontally from a surface of the body 2729 a of the first bracket 2728a, wherein the semi-cylindrical bracket 2729 c includes a body thatdefines a fastener opening configured to receive a suitable fastener toconnect the first bracket connector 2728 b to the first bracket 2728 a.

As best shown in FIG. 34K, the first bracket connector 2728 b isconfigured to connect the first bracket 2728 a and the first hydraulicpiston housing 2728 d. The first bracket connector 2728 b includes: (a)a body having: (i) a housing engager surface 2729 d configured to engageand be integrally connected to an end of the first hydraulic pistonhousing 2728 d, (ii) a bracket engaging surface 2729 e; and (iii) fourplanar walls (not labeled) integrally connected to the housing engagersurface 2729 d and the bracket engaging surface 2729 e; (b) a firsthorizontally extending upper semi-cylindrical bracket 2729 f integrallyconnected to and extending horizontally from the bracket engagingsurface 2729 e, wherein the first bracket includes a body that defines afastener opening configured to receive the locking bracket fastener 2728c to connect the first bracket connector 2728 b to the first bracket2728 a; and (c) a second horizontally extending lower semi-cylindricalbracket 2729 g spaced apart from the first upper bracket 2729 f andintegrally connected to and extending horizontally from the bracketengaging surface 2729 e, wherein the second bracket 2729 g includes abody that defines a fastener opening configured to receive a suitablefastener to connect the first bracket connector to the first bracket.

The locking bracket fastener 2728 c is configured to be is insertedthrough the fastener openings defined by the body of the firstsemi-cylindrical bracket 2728 f of the first bracket connector 2728 b,the body of the semi-cylindrical bracket 2729 c of the first bracket2728 a, and the body of the second semi-cylindrical bracket 2729 g ofthe first bracket connector 2728 b to lockingly connect the firstbracket connector 2728 b to the first bracket 2728 a. The lockingbracket fastener 2728 c is further lockingly secured with at least oneJ-pin (not labeled).

The first hydraulic piston housing 2728 d is configured to receive thefirst hydraulic piston 2728 e. The first hydraulic piston housing 2728 dincludes a body that has an outer cylindrical surface and an innercylindrical surface. The inner surface defines a chamber configured toreceive the first hydraulic piston 2728 e and enable the first hydraulicpiston 2728 e to be movable. The first hydraulic piston housing 2728 dfurther includes four spaced apart horizontally extending housingsupport rods (not labeled) connected to the housing engager surface 2729d of the first bracket connector 2728 b and an opposing surface (notlabeled).

The first hydraulic piston 2728 e is configured to be movable in thefirst hydraulic piston housing 2728 d to cause the first trolley 2720 tomove along the first track 2706.

The first hydraulic piston bracket connector 2728 f is configured toconnect the first hydraulic piston 2728 e to the first trolley 2720. Asbest shown in FIG. 34K, the first hydraulic piston bracket connector2728 f includes: (a) a body 2729 h having a cylindrical inner surfacethat defines a channel configured to engage and connect with an end ofthe first hydraulic piston 2728 e; (b) a first horizontally extendingsemi-cylindrical bracket 2729 i integrally connected to and extendingfrom the body 2729 h; and (c) a second horizontally extendingsemi-cylindrical bracket 2729 j spaced apart from the firstsemi-cylindrical bracket 2729 i and integrally connected to andextending from the body 2729 h.

The first bracket 2729 i of the first hydraulic piston bracket connector2728 f includes a body that defines a fastener opening configure toreceive the first hydraulic piston bracket connector fastener 2728 g tolockingly connect the first hydraulic piston connector 2728 f to thefirst trolley 2720. The second bracket 2729 j of the first hydraulicpiston bracket connector 2728 f includes a body that defines a fasteneropening configure to receive the first hydraulic piston bracketconnector fastener 2728 g to lockingly connect the first hydraulicpiston connector 2728 f to the first trolley 2720.

The first hydraulic piston bracket connector fastener 2728 g isconfigured to be is inserted through the fastener openings defined bythe body of the first bracket 2729 i of the first hydraulic pistonbracket connector 2728 f, the body of the semi-cylindrical bracket 2720i of the first trolley 2720, and the body of the second semi-cylindricalbracket 2729 j of the first hydraulic piston bracket connector 2728 f tolockingly connect the first hydraulic piston bracket connector 2728 f tothe first trolley 2720. The first hydraulic piston bracket connectorfastener 2728 g is further lockingly secured with at least one J-pin(not shown).

In this illustrated example embodiment, the first hydraulic piston 2728e and a second hydraulic piston of the second trolley mover assembly2730 are simultaneously controlled and co-act or operate together tosimultaneously move the first and second trolleys 2720 and 2722respectively along the first and second tracks 2706 and 2708. Thisenables the gate mover assembly 2704 to control how far to open or closethe gate of the container 20. This also enables the gate mover assembly2704 to control the rate or speed at which loose materials exits thegate of the container 20 and into the material director 2500 of theunloader 2000.

Referring now to FIGS. 34L, 34M, and 34N, the trolley mover assemblycontroller 2732 is configured to control the first trolley moverassembly 2728 and the second trolley mover assembly 2730. The trolleymover assembly controller 2732 is supported by a trolley mover assemblyhousing 2734. The trolley mover assembly housing 2734 is integrallyconnected to and extends downwardly from the secondary pallet supportbase stabilizers 2318 and 2320.

More specifically, as best shown in FIG. 35N, the trolley mover assemblycontroller housing 2734 includes: (a) a first housing base 2734 a; (b) asecond housing base 2734 b spaced apart from the first housing base 2734a; (c) a first housing base bracket 2734 c integrally connected to thefirst housing base 2734 a and the second housing base 2734 b, whereinthe first housing base bracket 2734 c includes a body that defines aplurality of fastener openings each configured to receive a suitablefastener to connect the trolley mover assembly controller 2732 to thebody of the first housing base bracket 2734 c; (f) a second housingbracket 2734 d spaced apart from the first housing bracket 2734 c andintegrally connected to the first housing base 2734 a and the secondhousing base 2734 b, wherein the second housing base bracket 2734 dincludes a body that defines a plurality of fastener openings eachconfigured to receive a suitable fastener to connect the trolley moverassembly controller 2732 to the body of the second housing base bracket2734 d; (g) a first vertically extending bracket 2734 e including: (i) avertically extending generally V-shaped wall 2735 a integrally connectedto the first housing base 2734 a and the second housing base 2734 b,wherein the V-shaped wall 2735 a includes a body that defines fastenersopenings each configured to receive suitable fasteners; (ii) a firstinwardly extending wall 2735 b integrally connected to one end of theV-shaped wall 2735 a and the first housing base 2734 a; (iii) a secondinwardly extending wall 2735 c internally connected to an opposing endof the V-shaped wall 2735 a and the second housing base 2734 b; and (iv)an inwardly extending base wall (not shown) integrally connected to theV-shaped wall 2735 a and configured to partially support the trolleymover assembly controller 2732; (h) a second vertically extendingbracket 2734 f spaced apart from the first vertically extending bracket2734 e and including: (i) a vertically extending V-shaped wall 2735 dintegrally connected to the first housing base 2734 a and the secondhousing base 2734 b, wherein the V-shaped wall 2734 a includes a bodythat defines fasteners openings each configured to receive suitablefasteners; (ii) a first inwardly extending wall 2735 f integrallyconnected to one end of the V-shaped wall 2735 a and the first housingbase 2734 a; and (iii) a second inwardly extending wall 2735 ginternally connected to an opposing end of the V-shaped wall 2735 a andthe second housing base 2734 b; and (iv) an inwardly extending base wall2735 h integrally connected to the V-shaped wall 2735 d and configuredto partially support the trolley mover assembly controller 2732; (I) afirst connecting bracket (not shown) including: (i) a first verticallyextending wall integrally connected to the first wall of the firstvertically extending bracket and the second wall of the fourthvertically extending bracket via a suitable fastener; and (ii) a secondhorizontally extending wall integrally connected to the first verticallyextending wall and integrally connected to a bottom surface of thepallet support base stabilizer 2318; and (j) a second connecting bracketincluding: (i) a first vertically extending wall integrally connected tothe second wall of the second vertically extending bracket and the firstwall of the third vertically extending bracket via a suitable fastener;and (ii) a second horizontally extending wall integrally connected tothe first vertically extending wall and integrally connected to a bottomsurface of the pallet support base stabilizer 2320.

In this illustrated example embodiment, the trolley mover assemblycontroller 2732 is connected to and supported by the first housing basebracket 2734 c and the second housing base bracket 2734 d via suitablefasteners. Additionally, in this illustrated example embodiment, thetrolley mover assembly controller housing 2734 is configured to supporta heater (not shown), which can be adjacent to the trolley moverassembly controller 2732 and configured to provide heat to the trolleymover assembly controller 2732. More specifically, the heater canprovide heat to the trolley mover assembly controller 2732 so thathydraulic fluid of the trolley mover assembly controller 2732 can bemaintained in a fluidized state (regardless of relatively coldtemperatures) to move suitably through various channels, ports, etc. tocause the first trolley mover assembly 2730 and the second trolley moverassembly 2732 to move the first trolley 2720 and the second trolley 2722along the first track 2706 and the second track 2708, respectively.

It should be appreciated that in this illustrated example embodiment,the components of the track assembly 2702 are made of a suitablematerial, such as steel. It should further be appreciated that the firsttrolley 2720 and the second trolley 2722 (except the first, second, andthird wheels 2720 j, 2720 k, and 27201 of the first trolley 2720 and thefirst, second, and third wheels (each not labeled) of the second trolley2722) are made of a suitable material, such as steel. It should furtherbe appreciated that the first, second, and third wheels 2720 j, 2720 k,and 27201 of the first trolley 2720 and the first, second, and thirdwheels (each not labeled) of the second trolley 2722 are made of asuitable material, such as a plastic or rubber. It should further beappreciated that the trolley connector 2724; the gate receiver andengager 2726; the first bracket 2728 a of the first trolley mover 2728;the first bracket connector 2728 b of the first trolley mover 2728 (andlikewise, a first bracket (not labeled) of the second trolley mover 2730and a first bracket connector (not labeled) of the second trolley mover2730); and the trolley mover assembly controller housing 2734 are eachmade of a suitable material, such as steel.

The Rack

The illustrated example rack 5000 of the present disclosure isconfigured to support the supporters 2100, 3100, and 4100 of theunloaders 2000, 3000, and 4000 (as best shown in FIG. 28). Morespecifically, the rack 5000 is configured to support the supporters2100, 3100, and 4100 at a suitable height above a grating assembly(further described below) of the rack 5000. This enables the materialdirectors 2500, 3500, and 4500 to be suitably positioned so that thesematerial directors can cooperate to release materials that exit thegates of the containers 20, 30, and 40 into a material blender beneaththe pallet receiver 3300 of the unloader 3000.

More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 35A to 35J, and particularly FIG.35A, the rack 5000 is generally U-shaped. The rack includes threesections: 5001 a, 5001 b, and 5001 c. The section 5001 a is configuredto position the unloader 2000 relative to the unloaders 3000 and 4000.The section 5001 b is configured to position the unloader 3000 relativeto the unloaders 2000 and 4000. The section 5001 c is configured toposition the unloader 4000 relative to the unloaders 2000 and 3000. TheU-shaped rack 5000 includes an open area configured to receive a truckand/or a material blender that is suitably positioned underneath and/oradjacent to the material directors 2500, 3500, and 4500 (as best shownin FIGS. 17, 18, and 19) so that loose materials can travel through thegate of the containers 20, 30, and 40 (when the gate is at leastpartially opened) and into the material blender.

More specifically, as shown in FIGS. 35A to 35J, the rack 5000 includes:(a) base beams 5002, 5004, 5006, 5008, 5010, 5012, 5014, and 5016; (b)supporting brackets 5018, 5020, 5022, and 5024 integrally connected tobase beams 5002 and 5006; (c) a plurality of diagonally extending braces5026, 5028, 5030, and 5032 integrally connected to base beams 5002,5006, and 5010 and positioned through openings that are defined by abody of the base beams 5004, 5014, and 5016 (as further describedbelow); (d) forklift tine receiver assemblies 5034 and 5036 integrallyconnected to base beams 5002, 5004, 5006, 5010, 5014, and 5016 andpositioned through opening that are defined by the body of the base beam5004 (as further described below); (e) dual leg stands 5038, 5040, 5042,and 5044 integrally connected to base beams 5002, 5006, and 5010,diagonally extending braces 5026, 5028, 5030, and 5032, and forklifttine receiver assemblies 5034 and 5036; (f) single leg stands 5046,5048, 5050, and 5052 integrally connected to base beams 5002, 5006,5008, 5010, and 5012 and diagonally extending braces 5026, 5028, 5030,and 5032; (g) unloader stabilizers 5054 and 5056 integrally connected tobase beams 5004, 5014, and 5016; (h) a plurality of D-rings 5060 a, 5060b, 5060 c, and 5060 d integrally connected to base beams 5008 and 5012;and (i) a top grating assembly 5062 removably positioned on a topsurface of the base beams 5002, 5004, 5006, 5008, 5010, 5012, 5014, and5016, a top surface of the diagonally extending braces 5026, 5028, 5030,and 5032, and a top surface of the forklift tine receiver assemblies5034 and 5036.

It should be appreciated that in alternative example embodiments, theunloader stabilizers 5054 and 5056 can be connected to other componentsof the unloader 2000, 3000, and/or 4000, such as the legs of one of theunloaders.

The base beams 5002, 5004, 5006, 5008, 5010, 5012, 5014, and 5016 areconfigured to co-act together to support the dual leg stands 5038, 5040,5042, and 5044; the single leg stands 5046, 5048, 5050, and 5052; andthus the unloaders 2000, 3000, and 4000 and the containers 20, 30, and40 the unloaders each respectively support. Each base beam includes atop surface and a bottom surface. The bottom surfaces of the base beamsare configured to engage a substrate on which the rack 5000 rests.

It should be appreciated that base beams 5002, 5004, 5006, 5008, 5010,5012, 5014, and 5016 are substantially similar in this illustratedexample embodiment. Thus, for brevity, only the base beam 5002 isfurther described in detail. As best shown in FIG. 35E, the base beam5002 includes: (a) an elongated vertically extending wall 5002 a; (b) anelongated top wall 5002 b integrally connected to and extendinghorizontally from the vertically extending wall 5002 a; and (c) anelongated bottom wall 5002 c spaced apart from the top wall 5002 b andintegrally connected to and extending horizontally from the verticallyextending wall 5002 a.

As best shown in FIG. 35C, in this illustrated example embodiment, basebeams 5004, 5014, and 5016 each include a body (not labeled). Each bodyof the base beams 5004, 5014 and 5016 define a plurality of openings.Each opening is configured to receive a portion of the diagonallyextending braces 5026, 5028, 5030, and 5032. Additionally, in thisillustrated example embodiment, the body of the base beam 5004 defines aplurality of different openings each configured to receive a portion ofthe forklift tine receiver assemblies 5034 and 5036.

The supporting brackets are each configured to provide additionalsupport for the base beams 5002 and 5006 to assist in supporting thedual leg stands 5038, 5040, 5042, and 5044; the single leg stands 5046,5048, 5050, and 5052; and thus the unloaders 2000, 3000, and 4000 andthe containers 20, 30, and 40 the unloaders each respectively support.

It should be appreciated that the supporting brackets 5018, 5020, 5022,and 5024 are substantially similar in this illustrated exampleembodiment. Thus, for brevity, only the supporting bracket 5018 isfurther described below.

As best shown in FIG. 35A, the supporting bracket 5018 includes: (a) afirst vertically extending wall (not labeled); (b) a second verticallyextending wall (not labeled) spaced apart from the first wall; (c) athird vertically extending wall (not labeled) integrally connected tothe first wall and second wall; (d) a fourth vertically extending wall(not labeled) spaced apart from the third wall and integrally connectedto the first wall and second wall; (e) a top wall (not labeled)integrally connected to the first wall, second wall, third wall, andfourth wall; and (f) a bottom wall (not labeled) spaced apart from thetop wall and integrally connected to the first wall, second wall, thirdwall, and fourth wall.

The top wall of the supporting bracket 5018 is integrally connected tothe top wall 5002 b of the base beam 5002. The bottom wall of thesupporting bracket 5018 is integrally connected to the bottom wall 5002c of the base beam 5002.

The second support 5020 bracket is spaced apart from the first supportbracket 5018 and is integrally connected to the top wall 5002 b andbottom wall 5002 c of the base beam 5002.

The third support bracket 5022 and the fourth support bracket 5024 arespaced apart from one another and are integrally connected to the topwall and bottom wall of the third base beam 5006.

The forklift tine receiver assemblies 5034 and 5036 are each configuredto receive a forklift tine of a forklift and assist the forklift inlifting and moving the rack 5000, and/or the unloaders 2000, 3000, and4000 when each unloader is connected to and supported by the rack from afirst position to a plurality of second positions.

As best shown in FIGS. 35C and 34G, in this illustrated exampleembodiment, one end of the forklift tine receiver assembly 5034 isintegrally connected to one end of the base beam 5002. A middle portionof the forklift tine receiver assembly 5034 is integrally connected toone end of the base beam 5014. A different middle portion of theforklift tine receiver assembly 5034 is positioned through the openingdefined by the body of the base beam 5004. An opposing end of theforklift tine assembly is integrally connected to the base beam 5010.

Likewise, in this illustrated example embodiment, one end of theforklift tine receiver assembly 5036 is integrally connected to one endof the base beam 5006. A middle portion of the forklift tine receiverassembly 5036 is integrally connected to one end of the base beam 5016.A different middle portion of the forklift tine receiver assembly 5036is positioned through the opening defined by the body of the base beam5004. An opposing end of the forklift tine assembly is integrallyconnected to the base beam 5010.

It should be appreciated that the forklift tine receiver assemblies 5034and 5036 are substantially similar in this illustrated exampleembodiment. Thus, for brevity, only the forklift tine receiver assembly5036 is further described below.

As best shown in FIG. 35F, the forklift tine receiver assembly 5036includes: (a) a forklift tine receiver body 5036 a; (b) a firstelongated bar 5036 b integrally connected to the forklift tine receiverbody 5036 a; (c) a second elongated bar 5036 c spaced apart from thefirst elongated bar 5036 b and integrally connected to the forklift tinereceiver body 5036 a; and (d) a cover plate 5036 d integrally connectedto the base beam 5002, the forklift tine receiver body 5036 a, one endof the first elongated bar 5036 b, and one end of the second elongatedbar 5036 c.

The forklift tine receiver body 5036 a includes four verticallyextending walls integrally connected to each other (each not labeled).An inner surface of each wall defines a channel that is configured toreceive a forklift tine of a forklift so that the forklift can move therack 5000, and/or the unloaders 2000, 3000, and 4000 when each unloaderis connected to and supported by the rack from a first position to aplurality of second positions.

The first elongated bar 5036 b and the second elongated bar 5036 c areeach configured to provide structural support to the forklift tinereceiver assembly 5036 and provide suitable spacing so that the coverplate 5036 d is connected to the proper portions of the base beam 5006and the forklift tine receiver assembly 5036.

As best shown in FIG. 35F, the cover plate includes a frontwardly facingwall 5036 e that is generally C shaped. This wall 5036 e is integrallyconnected to the top wall (not labeled) of the base beam 5006, thebottom wall (not labeled) of the base beam 5006, the forklift tinereceiver body 5036 a, one end of the first elongated bar 5036 b and oneend of the second elongated bar 5036 c.

As best shown in FIG. 35F, the cover plate further includes a side wall5036 f The side wall 5036 f is integrally connected to the top wall (notlabeled) of the base beam 5006, the bottom wall (not labeled) of thebase beam 5006, and the vertically extending wall (not labeled) of thebase beam 5006.

The dual leg stands 5038, 5040, 5042, and 5044 are each configured tosupport and be removably and securely connected to the one leg of oneunloader and another adjacent leg of an adjacent unloader.

It should be appreciated that the dual leg stands 5038, 5040, 5042, and5044 are substantially similar in this illustrated example embodiment.Thus, for brevity, only the dual leg stand 5038 is further describedbelow.

As best shown in FIGS. 35G and 35H, the dual leg stand 5038 standincludes: (a) a pentagonal shaped base 5038 a integrally connected to atop surface of the base beams 5002, a top surface of the diagonallyextending braces 5028, and a top surface of the forklift tine receiverassembly 5034; (b) a first leg supporter 5038 b integrally connected tothe base 5038 a; (c) a second leg supporter 5038 c spaced apart from thefirst leg supporter 5038 b and integrally connected to the base 5038 a;(d) support brackets 5038 d, 5038 e, 5038 f, and 5038 g integrallyconnected to the first leg supporter 5038 a, the second leg supporter5038 b, and the base 5038 a; (e) a leg supporter connector bracket 5038h integrally connected to the first leg supporter 5038 a, the second legsupporter 5038 b and the base 5038 a; and (f) a first leg engagerplatform 5038 i integrally connected to the first leg supporter 5038 b,the support brackets 5038 d and 5038 e, and the leg supporter connectorbracket 5038 h; and (g) a second leg engager platform 5038 j integrallyconnected to the second leg supporter 5038 c, the support brackets 5038f and 5038 g, and the leg supporter connector bracket 5038 h.

More specifically, the first leg supporter 5038 b includes fourvertically extending walls integrally connected to each other (each notlabeled). Each wall is configured to be positioned in a channel definedby a leg of an unloader when the unloader is positioned and securelyconnected to the dual leg stand 5038 of the rack 5000. A body of one ofthe walls of the first leg supporter 5038 b and a body of an opposingwall of the first leg supporter 5038 b each defines plurality ofopenings configured to receive a pin or locking apparatus. This lockingapparatus is configured to be positioned in these openings to lockinglysecure a leg of an unloader to the first leg supporter 5038 b when theunloader is positioned and securely connected to the dual leg stand 5038of the rack 5000.

Likewise, the second leg supporter 5038 c includes four verticallyextending walls integrally connected to each other (each not labeled).Each wall is configured to be positioned in a channel defined by a legof an unloader when the unloader is positioned and securely connected tothe dual leg stand 5038 of the rack 5000. A body of one of the walls ofthe second leg supporter 5038 c and a body of an opposing wall of thesecond leg supporter 5038 c each defines plurality of openingsconfigured to receive a pin or locking apparatus. This locking apparatusis configured to be positioned in these openings to lockingly secure aleg of an unloader to the second leg supporter 5038 c when the unloaderis positioned and securely connected to the dual leg stand 5038 of therack 5000.

It should be appreciated that in alternative example embodiments, thelegs of the supporter can include a telescoping mechanism that co-actswith the dual leg stand(s) of the rack.

The first and second leg engager platforms 5038 i and 5038 j are eachconfigured to engage bottom edges of a leg of an unloader when theunloader is positioned on the dual leg stand 5038 of the rack 5000. Thisenables the legs of the unloader to be positioned on the rack 5000 andbe supported by the dual leg stand 5038, and thus the rack 5000.

The single leg stands 5046, 5048, 5050, and 5052 are each configured tosupport and be removably and securely connected to respective legs ofone unloader.

It should be appreciated that the single leg stands 5046, 5048, 5050,and 5052 are substantially similar in this illustrated exampleembodiment. Thus, for brevity, only the single leg stand 5046 is furtherdescribed in detail.

As best shown in FIGS. 35G and 34I, the single leg stand 5046 includes:(a) a base 5046 a integrally connected to the base beams 5002 and 5012and the diagonally extending brace 5026; (b) a leg supporter 5046 bintegrally connected to the base 5046 a; (c) support brackets 5046 c and5046 d integrally connected to the leg supporter 5046 b and the base5046 a; and (d) a leg engager platform 5046 e integrally connected tothe leg supporter 5046 b and the support brackets 5046 c and 5046 d.

More specifically, the leg supporter 5046 b includes four verticallyextending walls integrally connected to each other (each not labeled).Each wall is configured to be positioned in a channel defined by a legof an unloader when the unloader is positioned and securely connected tothe single leg stand 5046 of the rack 5000. A body of one of the wallsof the leg supporter 5046 b and a body of an opposing wall of the legsupporter 5046 b each defines plurality of openings configured toreceive a locking pin or locking apparatus. This locking apparatus isconfigured to be positioned in these openings to lockingly secure a legof an unloader to the leg supporter 5046 b when the unloader ispositioned and securely connected to the single leg stand 5046 of therack 5000.

It should be appreciated that in alternative example embodiments, thelegs of the supporter can include a telescoping mechanism that co-actswith the single leg stand(s) of the rack.

The leg engager platform 5046 e is configured to be engaged by thebottom edges of a leg of an unloader when the unloader is positioned onthe single leg stand 5046 of the rack 5000. This enables the leg of theunloader to be positioned on the rack 5000 and be supported by thesingle leg stand 5046, and thus the rack 5000.

The unloader stabilizers 5054 and 5056 are each configured to extendfrom a first position to a plurality of different second extendedpositions to stabilize the rack 5000 and the unloaders 2000, 3000, and4000 when the containers 20, 30, and 40 are positioned on or off eachrespective unloader. More specifically, the unloader stabilizers 5054and 5056 can extend past the rack 5000 and can be lowered to engage asubstrate on which the rack 5000 rests. Therefore, if there is anysubstantial force displacement due to weight displacement when thecontainers are positioned on or off each respective unloader, theunloader stabilizers 5054 and 5056 can prevent the force of the weightof the container from causing the unloaders and/or the rack to move ortip over.

It should be appreciated that the stabilizers 5054 and 5056 aresubstantially similar in this illustrated example embodiment. Thus, forbrevity, only the stabilizer 5054 is further described below.

As best shown in FIGS. 20, 22, 23, 24, 26, 27, 28, and 35J, andparticularly FIG. 35J, the unloader stabilizer 5054 includes: (a) afirst upwardly extending tubular base 5054 a integrally connected to atop surface the base beam 5014; (b) a second upwardly extending tubularbase 5054 b integrally connected to a top surface of the base beam 5004;(c) an extendable bar housing 5054 c integrally connected to the firstand second tubular bases 5054 a and 5054 b; (d) an extendable bar 5054 dat least partially positioned in the extendable bar housing 5054 c; (e)an extendable bar stabilizer engager wall 5054 e integrally connected toone end of the extendable bar 5054 d; (f) a supporting bar 5054 fintegrally connected to an extendable bar stabilizer engager wall 5054 eand a bottom surface of the extendable bar 5054 d; and (g) an extendablebar stabilizer 5055 integrally connected to the extendable barstabilizer engager wall 5054 e.

The extendable bar housing 5054 c includes four spaced apart integrallyconnected walls. Each wall includes a body, wherein one of the bodiesdefines a plurality of openings configured to receive a locking pin orlocking apparatus. This locking apparatus is configured to be positionedin one of these openings to lockingly secure the extendable bar 5054 din a suitable extended position past the rack 5000.

Likewise, the extendable bar 5054 d includes four spaced apartintegrally connected walls. Each wall includes a body, wherein one ofthe bodies defines a plurality of openings configured to receive alocking pin or locking apparatus. These openings align with the openingson the extendable bar housing 5054 c. This locking apparatus isconfigured to be positioned in one of these openings to lockingly securethe extendable bar 5054 d in a suitable extended position past the rack5000. The extendable bar 5054 d is thus configured to be extendable andmovable through the extendable bar housing 5054 c

The extendable bar stabilizer 5055 is configured to be movable so that abase of the extendable bar stabilizer 5055 can engage a substrate onwhich the rack 5000 rests. This enables the extendable bar, andtherefore the unloader stabilizer 5054, to prevent the rack 5000 andunloaders 2000, 3000, and 4000 from moving or tipping when thecontainers are positioned on or off of the unloaders.

The extendable bar stabilizer 5055 includes: (a) a housing 5055 a; (b) amovable tubular body 5055 b at least partially positioned in the housing5055 a and integrally connected to the extendable bar stabilizer engagerwall 5054 e; (c) a movable base 5055 c integrally connected to thetubular body 5055 b; (d) a crank or handle 5055 d suitably connected tothe tubular body 5055 b and the housing 5055 a so that when the handle5055 d is rotated, the tubular body 5055 b and the base 5055 c moveupwardly or downwardly; (e) a cap 5055 e integrally connected to thetubular body 5055 b; and (f) a locking pin 5055 f integrally connectedto the base 5055 c. The extendable bar stabilizer 5055 can also includea securing member (not shown) configured to secure the base 5055 c tothe substrate with which the base 5055 c engages. This can assist theunloader stabilizer in stabilizing the unloader and/or the rack.

As described above, the extendable bar stabilizer 5055 is configured tobe movable so that the base 5055 c engages the substrate on which therack 5000 rests. Thus, when the extendable bar 5054 d is extended to asuitable length past the rack 5000, the handle 5055 d is rotated tocause the tubular body 5055 b and the base 5055 c to move downwardly sothat the base 5055 c engages the substrate, and the base is secured byforce to the substrate, the unloader stabilizer 5054 (and also theunloader stabilizer 5056) can suitably prevent the force of the weightof the container from causing the unloaders and/or the rack to move ortip when the containers are positioned on or off the unloaders.

The grating assembly 5062 is configured to collect or capture materialthat leaks out of the containers or the material directors. The gratingassembly 5062 can be made of rubber or another suitable material. Thegrating assembly 5062 can be made in one section or more than onesection. The grating assembly 5062 can be removable from the rack 5000.

It should be appreciated that in this illustrated example embodiment,the base beams 5002, 5004, 5006, 5008, 5010, 5012, 5014, and 5016; thesupporting brackets 5018, 5020, 5022, and 5024; the plurality ofdiagonally extending braces 5026, 5028, 5030, and 5032; the componentsof the forklift tine receiver assemblies 5034 and 5036; the componentsof the dual leg stands 5038, 5040, 5042, and 5044; the components of thesingle leg stands 5046, 5048, 5050, and 5052; the components of theunloader stabilizers 5054 and 5056; and the plurality of D-rings 5060 a,5060 b, 5060 c, and 5060 d are each made of a suitable material, such assteel. It should further be appreciated that the top grating assembly5062 is made of a suitable material, such as a rubber.

Additional Features

As described above, in this illustrated example embodiment, theunloaders 2000, 3000, and 4000 each include one or more power, control,status indication, and lighting systems. These systems of each unloaderare identical or substantially similar for each unloader. Thus, forbrevity, only the one or more power, control, status indication, andlighting systems of the unloader 2000 is further described below. Itshould be appreciated that the unloader of the preset disclosure caninclude any suitable alternative power, control, status indication, andlighting systems.

In this illustrated example embodiment, the power and control systems ofthe unloader 2000 are housed in a suitable control housing box 6000 thatis connected to and extends downwardly from the pallet receiver 2300 andthat is supported by the supporter 2100 (as shown in FIG. 20). Thecontrol housing box 6000 can include one or more heaters (not shown)and/or air conditioners (not shown) configured to regulate thetemperatures for the power and control systems housed in the controlhousing box 6000. It should be appreciated that additional oralternative housings can be provided for the electronic and electricalcomponents of the unloader of the present disclosure.

Generally, in this illustrated example embodiment, the power systems areconfigured to provide power to the control system, the status indicationsystem (not shown), the lighting system (not shown), the weightmeasuring system, the heaters, the air conditioners, the vibrators, andthe automatic bulk material container gate movers of the unloader 2000.

Generally, in this illustrated example embodiment, the control systemsare suitably configured to control the operation of the statusindication system, the lighting system, the weight measuring system, theheaters, the air conditioners, the vibrator(s), and the automatic bulkmaterial container gate movers of the unloader 2000.

More specifically, in this illustrated example embodiment, the controlsystems are configured to operate the lights of the operation statusindication system 2146. The status lights such as light 2146 isconfigured to indicate the operation statues of the unloader to anoperator.

In this illustrated example embodiment, the control systems areconfigured to operate a different light assembly, such as an explosionproof light assembly (not shown). The explosion proof light assembly canbe connected to and supported by the supporter of the unloader and/orthe pallet receiver of the unloader. The explosion proof light assemblycan be configured to provide lighting to the unloader and/or areasurrounding the unloader, and particularly to the unloader and/or areasurrounding the unloader if an explosion(s) occur.

In this illustrated example embodiment, the control systems include orare configured to operate the computing or control portion of the weightmeasuring system. More specifically, when the container is positioned onthe unloader, the control system can operate the computing or controlportion of the weight measuring system to determine the weight of thecontainer and materials in the container as described above.

In this illustrated example embodiment, the control systems areconfigured to operate the automatic bulk material container gate mover.More specifically, the control system operates the automatic bulkmaterial container gate mover to partially open the gate of thecontainer to a plurality of second positions, fully open the gate of thecontainer, close the gate of the container to a plurality of secondpositions, and/or fully close the gate of the container. The controlsystem that operates the automatic bulk material container gate movercan further co-act or operate with the control systems that operate thecomputing or control portion of the weight measuring system to determineat what position the gate of the container should be opened or closed.This can enable the control of the rate at which loose materials exitthe container.

In this illustrated example embodiment, the control systems areconfigured to operate the one or more heaters of the unloader so thathydraulic fluid of the trolley mover assembly controller is maintainedat suitable operating temperatures.

In this illustrated example embodiment, the control systems areconfigured to operate one or more vibrators connected to the materialdirector of the unloader. More specifically, the control systems canoperate or control the frequency and/or the duration at which one ormore vibrators operate.

It should be appreciated that the control systems can further beconfigured to operate with any other controller or processors of orcontrolling any of the other unloaders 3000 and 4000.

It should be appreciated that the one or more control systems cancontrol one or more operations of the unloader that are described atsimultaneous times or at different times.

It should be appreciated that in various embodiments of the presentdisclosure, the unloader includes one or more container identificationdevices (such as an RFID identification device) electrically connectedto the unloader control system that enables the controller to identify acontainer positioned on the unloader.

It should be appreciated that in various embodiments of the presentdisclosure, the unloader includes one or more electronic communicationdevices or electronic transmitters/receivers (such as cellularcommunication devices) electrically connected to the unloader controlsystem that enables the controller to communicate with remote electronicsystems (such a monitoring systems).

It should be appreciated that in various embodiments of the presentdisclosure, the unloader includes one or more electronic display deviceselectrically connected to the unloader control system that enables thecontroller to cause a display of information regarding the unloader orcontainer on the unloader such as one or more weight measurements ordeterminations.

It should be understood that modifications and variations may beeffected without departing from the scope of the novel concepts of thepresent disclosure, and it should be understood that this application isto be limited only by the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed:
 1. An unloader for a shipping container having apallet, a storage volume for a bulk material and a movable gateassembly, the unloader comprising: a supporter having a frame structure;a pallet base supported by the frame structure and configured to receivethe pallet and support the shipping container in an elevated position,wherein a full shipping container is positionable onto the pallet baseand an empty shipping container is removable from the pallet basewithout disassembly of the unloader; a gate moving mechanism supportedby the pallet base and configured to engage the moveable gate assemblywhen the full shipping container is positioned onto the pallet base,wherein the gate moving mechanism is positionable from a first positionto a second position for opening the movable gate assembly and emptyingthe bulk material from the shipping container; and a material directorhaving a first end located beneath the pallet base subjacent of the gatemoving mechanism, the material director extending downwardly therefromand terminating at a second end opposite the first end, wherein bulkmaterial from the shipping container is dispensed into the first end anddischarged from the second end of the material director.
 2. The unloaderof claim 1, further comprising a vibrating mechanism operable togenerate a vibration for dislodging the bulk material.
 3. The unloaderof claim 2, wherein the vibrating mechanism is connected to andsupported by the material director and operable to dislodge the bulkmaterial travelling through the material deflector.
 4. The unloader ofclaim 2, wherein the vibrating mechanism further comprises a controlsystem configured to control a vibration parameter of the vibratingmechanism.
 5. The unloader of claim 4, wherein the vibration parameteris chosen from a vibration frequency, a vibration duration, or acombination thereof.
 6. The unloader of claim 1, wherein the materialdirector comprises a first chute section fixedly secured to the unloaderand defining the first end of the material director and a second chutesection extending at an angle from the first chute section and definingthe second end of the material director.
 7. The unloader of claim 6,wherein the second chute section is operably coupled to the first chutesection so that the second chute section is positionable with respect tothe first chute section beneath the pallet.
 8. The unloader of claim 1,further comprising a container scale system supported on the pallet baseand configured to measure a weight of the shipping container posing ontothe loader.
 9. The unloader of claim 1, further comprising a rackunderlying the supporter and supporting the frame structure, the rackhaving a floor assembly beneath the material director.
 10. The unloaderof claim 9, further comprising a stabilizer extending from the rack, thestabilizer having a vertically-adjustable base configured to be raisedand lowered relative to the rack for stabilizing the unloader.
 11. Anunloader assembly for a plurality of shipping containers, each shippingcontainer having a pallet, a storage volume for a bulk material and amovable gate assembly, the unloader assembly comprising: a rack having afloor assembly; a frame structure extending from the floor assembly ofthe rack; a first pallet base supported by the frame structure andconfigured to receive the pallet of a first shipping container andsupport the first shipping container in an elevated position, wherein afull shipping container is positionable onto the first pallet base andan empty shipping container is removable from the first pallet basewithout disassembly of the unloader a first gate moving mechanismsupported by the first pallet base and configured to engage the moveablegate assembly of the first storage container when the full shippingcontainer is positioned onto the first pallet base, wherein the firstgate moving mechanism is positionable from a first position to a secondposition for opening the movable gate assembly and emptying the bulkmaterial from the first shipping container; a first material directorhaving a first end located beneath the first pallet base subjacent ofthe first gate moving mechanism, the first material director extendingdownwardly therefrom and terminating at a second end opposite the firstend, wherein bulk material from the first shipping container isdispensed into the first end and discharged from the second end of thefirst material director; a second pallet base supported by the framestructure and configured to receive the pallet of a second shippingcontainer and support the second shipping container in an elevatedposition adjacent to the first shipping container, wherein a fullshipping container is positionable onto the second pallet base and anempty shipping container is removable from the second pallet basewithout disassembly of the unloader a second gate moving mechanismsupported by the second pallet base and configured to engage themoveable gate assembly of the second storage container when the fullshipping container is positioned onto the second pallet base, whereinthe second gate moving mechanism is positionable from a first positionto a second position for opening the movable gate assembly and emptyingthe bulk material from the second shipping container; and a secondmaterial director having a first end located beneath the second palletbase subjacent of the second gate moving mechanism, the second materialdirector extending downwardly therefrom and terminating at a second endopposite the first end, wherein bulk material from the second shippingcontainer is dispensed into the first end and discharged from the secondend of the first material director.
 12. The unloader assembly of claim11, further comprising a vibrating mechanism operable to generate avibration for dislodging the bulk material.
 13. The unloader of claim12, wherein the vibrating mechanism comprises a first vibrator connectedto and supported by the first material director and operable to dislodgethe bulk material travelling therethrough, and a second vibratorconnected to and supported by the first material director and operableto dislodge the bulk material travelling therethrough.
 14. The unloaderassembly of claim 12, wherein the vibrating mechanism further comprisesa control system configured to control a vibration parameter of thevibrating mechanism.
 15. The unloader assembly of claim 14, wherein thevibration parameter is chosen from a vibration frequency, a vibrationduration, or a combination thereof.
 16. The unloader assembly of claim11, wherein each of the first and second material directors comprise afirst chute section fixedly secured to the unloader and defining thefirst end of the material director and a second chute section extendingat an angle from the first chute section and defining the second end ofthe material director.
 17. The unloader assembly of claim 16, whereinthe second chute section is operably coupled to the first chute sectionso that the second chute section is positionable with respect to thefirst chute section beneath the pallet.
 18. The unloader assembly ofclaim 11, further comprising a first container scale system supported onthe first pallet base and configured to measure a weight of the firstshipping container positioned onto the loader, and a second containerscale system supported on the second pallet base and configured tomeasure a weight of the second shipping container positioned onto theloader.
 19. The unloader assembly of claim 11, wherein the framestructure comprises a plurality of first leg members extending from therack to the first pallet base and a plurality of second leg membersextending from the rack to the second pallet base.
 20. The unloaderassembly of claim 11, further comprising a stabilizer extending from therack, the stabilizer having a vertically-adjustable base configured tobe raised and lowered relative to the rack for stabilizing the unloader.